The RSPCA is appealing after a cat was left dying on a March vets’ doorstep in a Sainsbury’s ‘bag for life’ in freezing conditions.

The female tortoiseshell and white cat was extremely dehydrated, weak and suffering from hypothermia when she was found at around 5.30am on Monday, December 1 at All Creatures Vets in Upwell Road. Neighbours raised the alarm after hearing her howls of distress.

Vets attempted to revive her but sadly she was in such a poorly state they decided the kindest thing to do was put her to sleep.

RSPCA inspector Carrie O’Riordan said: “This poor cat was in a terrible way and was in no fit state to be left outside on such a freezing winter’s night. She was so cold that her temperature did not even register on the thermometer. We don’t know the exact cause of the medical condition which left her in such a bad way, or how much of her deterioration was due to that or being left out in such bad weather. It may well be that whoever dumped her thought they were doing the right thing by leaving her outside a vets, but in reality leaving her out in such cold made her a lot, lot worse. The terrible howling the neighbours heard show the incredible distress she was in. This was no way to treat an animal and we urge anyone with information to call us on 0300 123 8018.”