A CAT owner says she feels scared in her own home after her beloved feline was brutally attacked and covered with paint.

Thames Valley Police believe a spate of incidents have taken place in Woodley and Earley in the last week, with another case resulting in a cat being killed.

Jenny Lucy, who lives on Hanwood Close, was left ‘heartbroken’ when her friend Butters – a ginger shorthair – returned home with a blue cord wrapped tightly around its body on Thursday, May 17.

Neighbours have been posting warnings on social media after another cat had its paws burned.

Miss Lucy said: “He’s not just a cat to me, he’s my family.

"He had a hard life before I adopted him, so my goal has always been to give him a loving and safe place to call home.

“At first, we thought he had got into a can of paint, so I laughed and went to rub his belly.

"That’s when I noticed the cord and he was shaking and in pain.

Reading Chronicle:

“This was no accident and I no longer feel safe in my home. Since the incident he is much more anxious.

"It’s heartbreaking to see such a trusting cat afraid in and around his own home.”

The 20-year-old told the Chronicle how the cord was wrapped so tightly around Butters that he was struggling to breath, while his back legs were numb for several hours.

She added: “I don’t know what kind of person does this, but I hope they get caught and soon.”

Neighbours have seen suspicious activity in the area over the last week, with some spotting people with torches looking into gardens late at night.

A police spokesman said: “Thames Valley Police has become aware of two isolated reports of cats being either killed or injured in unusual circumstances.

“We would like to assure you that our neighbourhood team take this matter seriously and are currently working in conjunction with the RSPCA and local vets to identify the persons responsible and ensure cats in the area remain safe.”

Anyone with information is urged to call police on 101, quoting reference number URN 219 17/05/18.

Contact RSPCA's 24-hour cruelty line on 0300 1234 999 or SNARL on 07961 030 064 if you have any concerns.