Police are investigating after a cat’s tail was severed in what appears to be an attack carried out by an individual.

Twiggy, a ragdoll cat owned by Natalie Cheek, required surgery after part of his tail was cut off during an incident at around 2am on Friday morning (August 19).

The 20-year-old moggie is thought to have been attacked outside Ms Cheek’s home, in Sandpiper Close, Walthamstow.

Ms Cheek said: “We had been up late as we were watching the Olympics and my mum spotted blood on the kitchen floor. 

“We realised it was Twiggy and I started crying hysterically. I started screaming, it was not a nice thing to have to see.

“He does not usually leave the garden, he does not even go out of the front of the house, so that is quite worrying to us.

“It would have happened close to home. It just concerns me that someone either gained his trust or they trapped him in the garden.”

Vets told Ms Cheek Twiggy’s tail had been severed in a “clean cut”, making it likely he had been attacked rather than injured in an accident. 

Despite his ordeal, Twiggy underwent an operation on his wounded tail and is now said to be on the road to recovery.

Ms Cheek added: “He is 20-years-old, so it was a case of being worried about him making it through the operation more than anything else.

“But he has been amazing, it is like nothing ever happened to him, he still has the biggest spring in his step.

“To be honest, now, I just think he is enjoying all the attention. Now I just want him to be safe for the rest of his life, he is a lovely cat.”

A Met Police spokesman said: “Waltham Forest officers are aware of the incident and have taken a statement. Enquiries are ongoing.”