A couple have appeared in court after their cat was left with a mouth tumour so bad it struggled to eat.

RSPCA officers attended the address of Margaret and Philip Redman in Borstal Street, Rochester, on Saturday, March 9.

Their cat Misty had an obvious growth on its mouth which was a tumour.

Inspectors reported that the tumour had ulcerated, was foul-smelling and had teeth embedded into it.

The growth made it difficult for Misty to eat, and inspectors said she had been scooping food into her mouth with her paw.

The cat had matted brown fur which was covered in faeces and discharge from the tumour.

Mrs Redman, 57, told the inspector that she had not taken her cat to the vets as she feared it would be put to sleep.

The couple also were looking after another cat, and a parrot belonging to their late son, who had died not long before.

Misty was signed over to the RSPCA, who took it to the vets.

The vet estimated that the cat had been suffering for at least four months and that it should be euthanised.

At the hearing at Medway Magistrates' Court on Wednesday, June 6, the couple's solicitor Miss Holland explained that they had accepted that the cat was unwell, but they didn't realise how unwell it was.

She said that the couple had bought combs to attempt to brush the cat, but she had became uncomfortable when they tried.

Miss Holland also said that the couple's other animals were in a good condition, and that both had been struggling following the death of their son.

Mrs Redman had taken leave from her job which she had not yet returned to, and her husband, 58, had several health issues including depression and mobility issues, meaning he was unable to work.

Their solicitor concluded that they would therefore be unsuitable for a community sentence where there would be a possibility of carrying out unpaid work.

The couple pleaded guilty to failing in their duty of person responsible for animal to ensure welfare, and two counts each of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal.

One of the magistrates addressed the couple, saying: "It was a very difficult decision to make. You didn't wilfully cause the cat to suffer."

They ordered the case to be adjourned whilst a pre-sentence report was drawn up to consider the circumstances of the couple and what sentence would be appropriate.

They will next appear in court on Tuesday, June 18.

Escaped animals, unusual finds and news from the RSPCA can all be found here.

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