Police have launched an investigation after a cat was found dead with its tail completely skinned.

One-year-old Peanut’s mutilated body was discovered lying in the middle of Smedley Road in Faversham after she spent the night outside.

The feline’s horrified owner, who asked not to be named, was heading to a boot fair with her two daughters when they saw the maimed creature lying on the tarmac.

Due to the way in which Peanut was left at the scene, the 30-year-old believes her pet could have been attacked by a person.

“My daughter thought Peanut was sleeping in the road. I parked up, but then when I got out, it was very clear she wasn’t asleep,” the mum-of-two said.

“Peanut was in an awful state – she was just left there like trash.

“Her head was crushed and her tail was totally skinned. There was no blood, skin, fur or anything left around her body.

“My heart was broken. I was in shock and couldn’t stop crying for a couple of days. I don’t want to think of my little Peanut in pain or being hurt.”

Peanut’s owner fears there could be a cat killer on the loose and is desperate for the culprit to be caught.

She also says she has scanned cameras at her property in an attempt to piece together what happened.

She added: “The house feels empty without her. She was loving, wanted to be with the family – she was the little perfect cat.

“Looking at her tail, I think someone must have done that to her – it was too cleanly cut. It worries me there could be a cat killer here.”

A police spokesman confirmed officers received “a report that a cat was mutilated” in Smedley Road between 8pm on Saturday, June 26, and 6am on Sunday, June 27.

“The cause of the cat’s injuries is not known at this stage.

“Anybody with information is asked to call police on 01795 419119, quoting the reference number 46/111731/21.”

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