A CAT doused in petrol and set alight was found howling in pain at her owner’s back door.

One-and-a-half-year-old Persian cross Bambie was found by owner Clare Watson after the daytime attack. Clare, 30, was shaken and angry after finding her cat in pain at her home in Warwick Road, Guisborough, east Cleveland.

Bambie, who belongs to Ms Watson’s 12-year-old daughter, Sophie, said: “Whoever did this is sick and needs catching. Bambie could easily have been burnt alive and the RSPCA said she could have died of shock.”

The unknown attacker struck at about 1.30pm on Wednesday.

Mrs Watson said: “She is very lucky to be alive.

Bambie is friendly and trusting. Everyone around likes her. I heard howling at the back door, she was soaked in petrol and you could smell the singeing.

“Someone set her alight. She’s got burn marks on her body.”

She took Bambie to the vet where most of her fur was shaved. The treatment cost £100.

Ms Watson has reported the incident to Cleveland Police and the RSPCA.