A cat is feared to have suffered brain damage after its head became caught in a 'lethal' Fenn Trap near Aylsham.

Eastern Daily Press: The Fenn Trap. Picture: RSPCAThe Fenn Trap. Picture: RSPCA (Image: Archant)

The RSPCA was called to Wood Lane in Burgh on Saturday after the male tabby was spotted crossing the road by a passing motorist.

It took officers more than 40 minutes to find the distressed animal, which had its head stuck, face-down, in the trap.

The cat - nicknamed Curiosity - was rushed to a vet in Norwich and is currently fighting for its life in intensive care.

RSPCA inspector Dean Astillberry said: 'This poor cat had somehow got his head completely stuck, face-down, in this lethal trap. We don't know how long he would have been wandering about like that.

'His face was swollen out of all proportion. He could not open his eyes at all, and his mouth just a small distance.

'His claws were completely worn away from trying to escape - it must have been so distressing and painful for him to be trapped in this painful way.

'The vets are doing all they can to save him, but it is feared that he may have neurological damage, so severe were the injuries caused by this awful trap.'

Curiosity, which was found by inspectors near to the Old Rectory, did not have a microchip and it is not known who owned him.

The RSPCA is now seeking information about where the animal may have come from, as well as information about who left the trap.

A Fenn trap is a spring trap commonly used for catching wildlife including grey squirrels, stoats, rats and mice.

Llewelyn Lowen, scientific officer for the RSPCA, said: 'There are strict legal conditions on setting these types of traps and not setting them in the right way can mean that you are committing an offence.

'These traps should be set in such a way to prevent them killing or injuring a domestic animal and so we urge people to think carefully before using them.

'In theory, cats should not get caught in Fenn traps if they are being set properly. Those using the traps should be fully aware of the legislation regulating their use and of codes of practice that should be followed to ensure that non-target species are not captured.

'Legally, these traps need be set inside real or artificial tunnels so as to avoid catching any non-target species.'

• Anyone with information about the owner of the trap should contact the RSPCA on 0300 123 8018.