A stray kitten has had to be put down after RSPCA volunteers believe he 'may have been kicked' or 'in an accident'.

The cat was found last week in Ancaster Street in Barrow and was taken into a car by a woman after nearly being knocked over. 

She appealed to any potential owners on Facebook however no-one came forward.

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The kitten was then taken in on Saturday (August 24) by volunteers at the Furness branch and was struggling to walk, was very thin and was full of fleas.

He was rushed to Wild Side Vets in Barrow who kept him in for tests and x-rays.

It was discovered he had an enlarged heart and both hips were broken.

(Image: Furness RSPCA) A spokesperson for the RSPCA Furness branch said: "We can guess and say an accident but also he could’ve been kicked, we will never know.

"Due to this, between us and the vet it was decided it was kindest to put him to sleep. Surgery (if possible) would have been too much for him.

"We are heartbroken for him and wish we could’ve saved him. At least in his last 24 hours he was loved, fed and warm.

"To the person who allowed their cat to get pregnant then treat Chester this way, I hope karma gets you, you vile person.

"Chester will be buried in our volunteers' garden and won’t be forgotten."

(Image: RSPCA Furness) The RSPCA branch reminded cat owners to get their cats neutered so soon after issuing a reminder just last week. 

Pepper was another young cat that came into the branch's care a few weeks ago and was classed as 'semi-feral'.

It was discovered she was pregnant and a C Section was performed.

After returning from the vet, the branch set up a 'sum up' page to raise money for Pepper's surgery which cost £800.

Sadly, only one kitten remained out of the litter but eventually died on August 18.

The experience was traumatic for Pepper with volunteers having strong words for cat owners.

A Facebook post read: "Pepper has gone through a pregnancy, the trauma of giving birth then having surgery because her owner didn’t neuter her, she isn’t even one and this probably isn’t her first litter

"We are so fed up of seeing posts about pregnant cats, kittens looking for homes, etc.

"Stop being irresponsible and get your cats neutered."