Angler finds cat trapped in tin

The cat was found at a reservoir popular with anglers

Animal rescuers had to free a cat after its head became trapped in a tin of cat food in East Cleveland.

The black female cat was spotted by a fisherman at a popular angling spot in New Marske, near Redcar, on Tuesday.

RSPCA workers were called to the New Marske Reservoir to help the distressed animal which is believed to be owned by someone living nearby.

The charity said cat food was often used as bait and when not disposed of properly could be dangerous to animals.

Cut free

RSPCA inspector Nick Jones said: "It was a tin of cat food so I assume she'd gone in after what was left inside.

"Litter can be lethal to animals, and it's really important that people do make sure they dispose of it properly."

The cat was taken to a local vet who was able to cut her free.

"Thankfully, despite being very upset, she wasn't injured," Inspector Jones said.

"If she hadn't been seen when she was and freed, this cat would probably have died."

With no microchip or collar the animal was re-released to Greengrass Lane where she was found.

In the north of England last year, 2,921 animals were rescued after becoming entangled in litter, according to the charity.