SADISTS who blew off a 20-year-old cat's tail with a firework have been labelled as 'sick' by the pet's owner.

SADISTS who blew off a 20-year-old cat's tail with a firework have been labelled as 'sick' by the pet's owner.

The cat, named Smudge, had an inch of its tail blown off in the attack which left the well-liked neighbourhood character in obvious pain.

Owner Mike Greavett, of Elmbrook Drive in Bishop's Stortford, said a neighbour made the grim discovery in her back yard but was too shaken to pick up the severed section of tail, which had wire tied to it.

Mr Greavett said he was at a loss as to who could have done such a thing. Police are now investigating.

He said: 'It can't be local children because they love him. He's just a lone cat and everybody loves him around here ? he's part of the neighbourhood and such a dear old cat.'

The trusting and affectionate cat is now on a week-long course of antibiotics and painkillers. Mr Greavett had to pay £27 for a visit to the vets.

Despite the horrific injury, he said Smudge is doing remarkably well.

'He seems all right for an old boy. He's loving and one of those trusting cats and they would have been able to pick him up and pat him.

'There were fireworks going off last night and Smudge was a bit concerned, but not too bad.'

However, he said the cat's tail now resembled a candle because it was thin and bald where the vet had shaved it.

Mr Greavett said it was a warning to other cat owners to keep their animals indoors nearer Guy Fawkes Night.