A CAT which is due to have a leg amputated is in need of a new home.

The black moggy has been named Elf by staff at the RSPCA in Harwich Road, Colchester.

She was found with a badly injured by a member of the public on Christmas Day.

One of her legs was so badly damaged she will undergo an operation to have it amputated in the next few days.

It will be ready to be rehomed in about a fortnight.

Anne Clarke, branch manager, said eight-month-old Elf was found in Old Road, Clacton.

She said: “She is eating us out of house and home so had not been fed properly for a while. She was covered in ticks as well so is being treated for those.”

The charity also took in a pair of female guinea pigs after a man found them in his garden in Goring Road, Colchester.

One did not survive.

The other, aged about six months old, is in need of a new home with some other guinea pigs.

Mrs Clarke said: “They were absolutely soaking wet, freezing cold and we had to put them on heat pads and dry them off with a hair drier.”

If you can rehome the animals call the branch on 01206 860586.