Jacqui Baker fears other cats may be in danger after 15-year-old Charlie suffered severe internal injuries.

The brown female tabby was barely able to walk when she returned to her Weston Road home in Aston Clinton.

The much-loved pet had been let out at lunchtime by Miss Baker on Monday, September 8.

But when the cat limped home at around 4pm it was clear there was something seriously wrong.

Miss Baker said: "At first I assumed she had been hit by a car.

"The vet did some X-rays. She said it wasn't normal injuries."

Upon examination, it was discovered that Charlie's hip bone was fractured and she had sustained internal injuries, which had to be stitched. Her claws were also broken as if she had tried to escape.

The vet said the injuries could have only been caused by an attack involving something being pushed into the cat's rear end.

Miss Baker, who also has four dogs and a 12-year-old tomcat named Pablo, said: "This poor cat lost all her claws. Somebody must know who this person is. He must be covered in scratches."

Charlie has been left traumatised by the attack and now spends her time hiding under Miss Bakers' bed. She said: "She is absolutely petrified. She will probably never recover."

Miss Baker believes the culprit is someone who lives nearby as Charlie rarely strays far from home.

"She doesn't go very far so it is someone near to my house.
"There are a lot of cat owners in my road. They need to know there is a wierdo prowling Weston Road.
"Somebody must know something or heard something, just ring the RSPCA," she said.

RSPCA inspector Kirsty Hampton said: "This was an absolutely sickening attack which would have caused Charlie a great deal of pain and distress. For someone to be capable of harming an animal in this way is very disturbing and we need to find out who did this."

Anyone found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal could face a maximum six-month prison sentence and/or a £20,000 fine.

The RSPCA is urging anyone with information to call 0300 1234 999. All calls are treated in confidence.