The owners of a cat say they are shocked and saddened after their pet died from horrific “rape” injuries.

Housemates Artur Wisniewski, 54 and Szymon Piwowarski, 27, who live in Vicarage Road, Watford, say their 18-month-old cat Zoe was left with injuries to her leg, tail and anus after she went missing for three days.

Hertfordshire Constabulary confirmed Zoe had gone missing on Tuesday, July 28, before returning on Friday, July 31 with “significant injuries” to her lower body.

She was taken to a vet but was put to sleep as a result of her injuries.

Watford Observer:

(Photo Szymon Piwowarski)

Mr Wisniewski said he was “shocked” by the incident. He said: “She was so young - for us she was part of the family.”

He continued: “I am deeply saddened to say that my cat has been raped by a human or a big animal around Watford hospital last week.

“She had been missing since last Tuesday which was strange as she usually always came back home for lunch if she went out. She returned on Friday morning after being missing for three days. Her legs, tail and anus was covered with blood, mud and some kind of liquid.

Watford Observer:

Photo: Szymon Piwowarski​

“She was only 1.5 years old. We were waiting for her four long years.

“She has passed away after three days of fighting.

“Unfortunately, due to Zoe's injuries and fragility, DNA was unable to be taken from her.”

Mr Piwowarski added in a Facebook post: "If anybody around Vicarage Road has heard or seen anything suspicious, please contact me as I would like to report this to the police."

Watford Observer:

Photo: Szymon Piwowarski​

Police say The Watford Safer Neighbourhood Team are aware of the incident.

In a statement, a Hertfordshire Constabulary spokesperson said: “Officers have received a report from a cat-owner in Vicarage Road, Watford, reporting suspected abuse to his pet.

“The cat went missing on Tuesday, July 28 and returned on Friday, July 31 with significant injuries to her lower body.

Watford Observer:

Photo: Szymon Piwowarski​

“She was taken to the vets and sadly, she had to be put to sleep.”

Anyone can report information to police by calling the non-emergency number 101, quoting ISR 427 of 4 August.

Information can also be reported online at information online at herts.police.uk/report.