A STRAY cat found with horrific injuries in a County Durham village is making a remarkable recovery in RSPCA care.

The adult female cat had been straying in the Horden area, near Peterlee, but locals became very concerned for her welfare after they noticed her suffering with severe injuries to her face and head.

RSPCA Inspectors Christine Nisbet and Steph Baines were called to collect the cat, who they have nicknamed ‘Phoebe,’ and rushed her to a local vet for urgent treatment.

Read more: Darlington cat rescued by RSPCA after rat trap stuck on its head

Christine said: “Poor Phoebe was in a terrible state when we found her.

"She’s been a stray in the area for some time, but these injuries were really severe and she would have been in a lot of pain.

"Her head and face were really swollen, she couldn’t open one of her eyes at all, and she was really weak. She was in desperate need of veterinary treatment.

“Steph and I collected her from a street where she’d been found, and took her to a local vet where she was given urgent treatment. It turns out the injuries were two very nasty bites on her forehead, most likely from another cat that had become infected and incredibly sore.”

Read more: Otter cub in RSPCA care after rescue in County Durham

Phoebe was given painkillers and antibiotics and the veterinary team cleaned her wounds making her much more comfortable, before Christine and Steph took her to a local RSPCA centre where she will continue her recovery.

Christine added: “I’m delighted to say that Phoebe is a strong little cat and she’s making a great recovery already.

After just one week of treatment and care, the swelling has hugely improved and she’s looking a lot brighter and can open her eye again. We’re so grateful to the people who contacted us to let us know Phoebe was in such desperate need of our help.

Phoebe will continue her recovery in the care of the RSPCA, and when she is ready, she will be found a loving new home.

To help the RSPCA continue rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming animals like Phoebe in desperate need of care visit the website by clicking here or call the donation line on 0300 123 8181.

Keep up to date with all the latest news on our website, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

You can also follow our dedicated County Durham Facebook page for all the latest in the area by clicking here.

For all the top news updates from right across the region straight to your inbox, sign up to our newsletter here.

Have you got a story for us? Contact our newsdesk on newsdesk@nne.co.uk or contact 01325 505054