A family cat is fighting for his life in Sydney after apparently being set alight in an incident described by the RSPCA as a callous act of animal cruelty.
Snowy, a 19-month-old domestic longhair, crawled back to his Bankstown home about 4am (AEST) on Saturday suffering severe burns to most of his body.
He was found by his distraught owners with cut ears and evidence of tape on his legs as well as the horrific burn injuries.
"... It's hard to believe that he could have accidentally sustained those sort of injuries, so it looks like a more deliberate and callous attack," RSPCA Chief Inspector David Oshannessy told AAP.
"There is a suggestion that he may have been held down with tape while the attack was committed."
Mr Oshannessy said Snowy had been sedated and was on pain relief while undergoing treatment at the RSPCA's Sydney Veterinary Hospital.
Vets are unsure if he will survive.
"We are significantly worried about him at the moment because he has burns to a large majority of his body," Mr Oshannessy said.
"Vets are just cleaning his wounds and are hopeful that he will respond to treatment."
If he pulls through, the recovery process could take months.
Mr Oshannessy said the attack on Snowy had particularly affected RSPCA staff.
"He would have suffered significant pain as a result of the injuries sustained," he said.
"And if he is to recover, he is going to have a long and difficult road to recovery."
The maximum offence for serious animal cruelty is five years' imprisonment under the Crimes Act.
Mr Oshannessy is calling for anyone with information to contact the RSPCA on 02 9770-7555 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
"We are talking about a young animal who is essentially defenceless, who has endured significant suffering as a consequence of the offender's actions," he said.
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