The paint all over a cat found dying on an Inverness street contributed it to its eventual death, according to experts.
The Scottish SPCA launched an investigation after the elderly cat was found dying and covered in a thick streak of paint from nose to tail.
Jemima Robinson’s 15-year-old pet Mitsi was so badly injured it had to be put down.
Inverness Cat Rescue was called out by council workers after the animal was found dying in a driveway in Carnac Crescent, just a few streets away from its home, earlier this month.
Scottish SPCA Senior Inspector Dougie Campbell said: “We were called out to a cat who had paint in her ears and along her back, which looked as if it had possibly been done intentionally. She was in such a bad condition and suffering that a vet decided that the kindest thing to do was to put her to sleep.
“Initial post mortem findings indicate that the paint would have been significant in the demise of the cat and we are awaiting toxicology to further our investigation.
“If anybody witnessed anything they should get in touch with our animal helpline on 03000 999 999.”
Mitsi had gone out for the evening and didn’t return home as it normally would have on Thursday morning with Ms Robinson’s other two cats, Buster and Peppa.
The owner learned about what had happened on the Inverness Cat Rescue Facebook page. Ms Robinson, of Craigton Avenue in South Kessock, said: “I phoned the vets and went in to see if it was her. I knew straight away that it was when I saw her.
“It looked like somebody had painted from her nose, along her head and back right to the tip of her tail and inside her ears with white paint. It didn’t look like paint had fallen on her accidentally.”
Reacting to the results of the post mortem last night, she said: “It’s just absolutely cruel, it’s such a waste of a life. I know she was an old cat but she was still a healthy cat.
“I just miss her so much. She was such a sensitive cat. I miss her sitting on the couch beside me. She would always wait until I was finished my dinner and then I would put the plate down and she would take what she fancied.
“I don’t think there is much chance now of finding out who did this to her, but I hope they do.”
