A MOTHER-of-three whose cat was left with a broken jaw after a vicious attack has told of her heartbreak.
Rachel Wilcock, of Jubilee Street, Shotton, was left with a vet’s bill of nearly £600 after her three-year-old tabby Ginge was kicked in the face in what appeared to be a random attack.
She must now borrow money from relatives in order to pay for Christmas gifts for her daughters Ellie, four, Lillie, one, and four-month-old son Warren.
Rachel, 24, said: “At first we thought Ginge had been fighting with another cat or had suffered an allergic reaction to a bite.
“But then the vet told us his injuries were consistent with a kick to the face and we were so shocked.
“Ellie is really upset and keeps drawing pictures of the cat.
“I’m scared to let him out anymore.”
Rachel discovered Ginge’s injuries on Sunday and took him to the Daleside Veterinary Group in Wrexham as an emergency.
It was only when she collected him on Monday that she realised the extent of his injuries.
“He had a broken jaw in five places and a punctured eye which had got infected,” said Rachel, who works part-time at The Grosvenor Social Club in Shotton.
“They had to remove some of his teeth so they could wire his jaw shut, but he still can’t close his mouth properly.
“They said the blow to his face was so strong that it would not have come from an animal.
“He keeps meow-ing like he’s in pain. I just feel helpless and really sorry for him.”
Rachel, who suspects the attack took place on Friday night, must now feed Ginge antibiotics and powdered painkillers once a day for two weeks.
She has paid most of her £580 vet bill and will pay the remainder in January.
“It’s the worst time of year to have happened. I’ve had to ask my mum to help me
out with Christmas presents for the kids.”
Rachel, who also has Staffordshire bull terriers Badger, two, Daisy, two and Barney, one, is urging fellow pet owners to be on their guard.
“There is clearly someone out there who doesn’t like cats,” she added. Thank God this one has got nine lives.”
A spokesman for North Wales Police said: “We are aware of the incident. Anyone with information relating to it can call the non-emergency number 101.”