An elderly woman was forced to use money saved for her own funeral to pay for £7,000 in vet bills to save her beloved pet.

Eastern Daily Press: Ria Oldroyds cat Oscar was brutally beaten - the total vet bill from her local vet and specialist veterinary surgery was around £7000. Picture: Nick ButcherRia Oldroyds cat Oscar was brutally beaten - the total vet bill from her local vet and specialist veterinary surgery was around £7000. Picture: Nick Butcher (Image: Archant © 2018)

Ria Oldroyd, 69, of Solomon Road Kessingland, was left devastated when she found her two-year-old cat Oscar badly injured after being kicked.

Oscar spent several days at Pakefield Veterinary Surgery where it was revealed his abdomen wall had been ripped and his internal organs damaged.

Ms Oldroyd said: 'Emotionally, I'm surprised I haven't had a stroke, this has put me close to the edge. When I thought I would lose him I was completely heart broken.

'I was in horror that someone in my neighbourhood had hurt him. I couldn't believe someone could be so cruel.'

Eastern Daily Press: Ria Oldroyds cat Oscar was brutally beaten - the total vet bill from her local vet and specialist veterinary surgery was around £7000. Picture: Nick ButcherRia Oldroyds cat Oscar was brutally beaten - the total vet bill from her local vet and specialist veterinary surgery was around £7000. Picture: Nick Butcher (Image: Archant © 2018)

The total cost of Oscar's stay at Pakefield Surgery came to £1,700. But for Ms Oldroyd this was only the beginning.

With a 50pc chance of survival, Oscar was transferred to the Animal Health Trust in New Market

Due to the extensive treatment and medical expertise needed to save Oscar, Ms Oldroyd was handed yet another veterinary bill of £5,180 – totalling to a final debt of £6,880.

Although insured, Ms Oldroyd's policy only covered £3,000. This meant she had no other option but to take out £2,000 she had saved for her funeral.

Animal welfare charity the RSPCA emphasised how important it is to insure your pets and not to be afraid to discuss costs with your vet, so they can explore all options for your pet's treatment.

Dr Caroline Allen, RSPCA London veterinary director said: 'This is a really nasty attack but thankfully not common, Oscar the cat received top specialist care and it's fantastic that he survived.

'We are lucky to have the NHS in the UK but unfortunately there is no equivalent for animals, so it can be quite an unpleasant surprise for people who then have to bare the medical costs for their pets.'

'It is important to note that not all procedures cost thousands of pounds, sometimes a simple course of medication can cost £100 or less, so people shouldn't be scared to visit the vet.'

Oscar is now recovering at home and despite this ordeal is getting back to his normal self.

Ms Oldroyd said: 'I just want to say a big thank you to Pakefield Veterinary surgery and the Animal Health Trust for their care and attitude, they did an amazing job.

'I think more awareness is needed about the price of vet bills because I had been very naïve, but I know my situation wasn't normal and thus very costly.

This been an emotional journey but I'm glad to say that it has a happy ending.'