Ayrshire cat's tail was cut off and another was doused in bleach in spate of violent attacks in Scots town

Several cats in Ayrshire have been seriously injured including one which had its tail cut off and another which came home covered in bleach.

The Scottish SPCA is investigating the "suspicious circumstances" surrounding the incidents in the Auchengate area of Irvine which also left some cats with facial injuries.

Scottish SPCA chief inspector, Laura McIntyre, said: “This has been an incredibly upsetting and stressful time for the owners of the cats and we would like to get to the bottom of what has happened.

Several cats were left with serious injuries in Ayrshire. This image is not of one of the cats affected. Pic: Krakenimages-Shutterstock

“The injuries inflicted on the cats vary in type and severity. One cat had its tail cut off, others have sustained facial injuries and one came home covered in bleach.

“At present we don’t know if these incidents are linked but we are concerned about the violent nature of the injuries the cats have sustained and the number of cats affected.

“This will have been incredibly traumatic for the cats involved due to the pain and distress caused by these incidents.

“We would advise cat owners in the area to be vigilant.

“Anyone using any method to cause injury on purpose is committing an offence and is punishable by law.”

“Anyone in the area with any information should contact our animal helpline on 03000 999 999. Information can be provided anonymously and will be treated in the strictest confidence.”

The SSPCA was alerted to the injuries after a concerned pet owner called its animal helpline on June 18.