Animal welfare charity ‘English Barn Cats' received multiple reports of a black cat covered in paint spotted in the town over the last few days.
He had previously been found ‘covered in grey paint', and this time was found with bright green paint on his back on Monday, June 24, in Hindle Street, just outside of the town centre.
Posting on its Facebook page, English Barn Cats – Lancashire, said: “We have had multiple reports of this cat with paint all over him over the last few days.
“Last time he was full of grey paint and this time bright green.
“Thank you to Emma Morris from the team who has been over and scanned him and he is not neutered or microchipped.
“He has been seen for days out there like this, trying to clean himself, so we are worried he may have ingested this paint.
“Some of the paint has gone off him so we’re not sure if he’s ripped it out, as there’s clumps of missing fur, and he smells of chemicals, perfume or soap.
“Does this mean he’s owned? Is another feeder helping him? Is he neglected in a home painting him, or are members of the public throwing paint at him? This isn’t the first time where he has been covered in paint.
“Usually we paper collar [the cats], but given the circumstances he will be taken to the vets to make sure he’s okay.
“He is now in the care of English Barn Cats as neighbours are worried he’s a stray [as] he’s been shared before.”
Supporters of the charity raised concerns the cat may have been used in possible illegal dog fighting, as fighters are known to use markers to colour the white parts of cats and kittens so they can bet on which colour will die first, but there is no evidence for this.
If anyone is aware of the cat's owners, they are asked to get in touch as soon as possible with English Barn Cats.
