A CAT who was rescued after being trapped in a glue trap is now looking for a new home.

Six-year-old Valentina was rescued by the RSPCA after being found by a member of the public in Accrington in February.

Her paws were stuck in a glue trap, which are normally used to trap rats and mice.

The tortoiseshell cat was in a terrible state, with glue all over her fur, and burns to her mouth from where she had tried to lick off the glue.

RSPCA Inspector Emma Dingley said: “This poor cat was completely stuck to the glue trap and she had been panicking and trying to get herself free by licking at the glue which then caused severe burns.

"Glue traps are extremely cruel and cause unnecessary suffering to animals caught in them, whether they are the target species, like rats or mice, or a beloved pet or wild animal.

"Animals caught in glue traps in attempting to get free may rip out patches of fur or feathers, break bones and even gnaw through their own limbs to escape, which is just awful."

Glue traps, also known as ‘glue boards’ or ‘sticky boards’, consist of a sheet of plastic, cardboard or wood coated with non-drying adhesive designed to trap rodents such as mice and rats as they cross the board.

However, they pose a danger not only to the rodents, but also to pets and other wildlife too.

The RSPCA says that they oppose the manufacture, sale and use of glue traps because of the unnecessary suffering they cause to animals.

Ms Dingley said: “After three to five hours animals have been reported as covered in their own faeces and urine.

"However, trapped animals may be left for much longer periods than that, during which time they will experience pain, distress and unacceptable suffering.

“The harsh reality is that if trapped animals are left unattended they will die slowly from dehydration, starvation or exhaustion.

"Unfortunately, despite all of this, the use of glue traps is not illegal so we’re urging the government to ban the sale, manufacture and use of these traps as soon as possible.

“The RSPCA urges people never to use glue traps, and to opt for humane deterrence of rats and mice which is often the only long-term solution for rodent control."

Fortunately, Valentina was taken into the care of Manchester and Salford RSPCA, has now made a full recovery and is currently being fostered whilst she looks for new home

Branch manager Susie Hughes said: “Valentina is sassy and sweet, her fosterer tells us she definitely knows what she wants and she is very affectionate and loving but will let you know if she’d had too much fuss.

“Valentina will need a confident adult-only home as she can hiss and scratch if she gets overwhelmed."

If you are interesting in adopting Valentina, send a completed application form to adoptions@rspca-manchesterandsalford.org.uk.

To find out more, go to: https://www.rspca.org.uk/findapet/rehomeapet/process.