A SICK cat had to be put to sleep after a cruel owner dumped it in a filthy litter tray taped shut in Great Sutton.

The RSPCA has launched an appeal after a member of the public found the cat in the tray, which was left near bins at the back of a block of flats on Sutton Way.

Despite being found on April 29, the two-year-old male brown tabby had to be put down.

The concerned member of the public took the cat to Littlecroft Veterinary Clinic in Little Sutton, who then contacted the RSPCA.

The cat – which did not have a chip or collar – was underweight and had a bleed on his right eye.

Despite receiving treatment from the vet, his health deteriorated and he had to be put to sleep to prevent him suffering further.

RSPCA inspector Leanne Cragg said: “It is shocking that this sick cat was just dumped behind some bins but luckily he was found and taken straight to a vet.

“He had been left on an extremely hot day and was sellotaped inside this cat litter tray which was filthy and smelt horrendous. He really would have been suffering.

“Sadly I cannot get hold of the member of the public who found him, and I would like to speak to them to thank them for their help, but also to work out the exact location he was left, so that I can then make further enquiries.

“It is not acceptable to leave a sick animal like this and I will do all I can to trace the person responsible for leaving him.

“It’s so sad that we could not save him, but I am thankful that he was not left to suffer longer.”

The RSPCA is keen to hear from anyone who has any information regarding this to call the RSPCA inspector appeal line on 0300 123 8018.