A cat has survived being caught in a rabbit snare after going missing for five days.

CupCake, aged three, fondly known as CC, disappeared from her home in Canterbury.

When she returned her owner, Karen Gunn, didn’t at first realise what had happened because the trap was covered by fur.

Karen noticed she was lethargic and then saw something caught on her.

It turned out there was wire wrapped tightly around CupCake’s waist, causing her deep cuts.

She immediately took CC to PDSA’s (People's Dispensary for Sick Animals) out of hours provider, Vets Now in Herne Bay.

Vets found the thin wire noose, which would have tightened after CC had stepped into it.

It had caused deep and painful wounds .

Vets were surprised she was able to move, let alone make it home.

The snare was carefully removed and the wounds were cleaned, dressed and treated with antibiotics. CC has since fully recovered.

Karen said: “If CC hadn’t managed to get herself home, I don’t bear to think about what would have happened to her.

“It’s possible she spent five whole days trapped in that snare, trying to wiggle herself free.”

The treatment was funded by the PDSA.

CC needed regular check-ups at the charity’s Margate clinic to monitor her wounds, to ensure they were clean and free from infection.

Karen added: “CC’s wounds are now fully healed and she’s back on her paws again.

“She has a big scar and her fur is yet to fully grow back but she’s a real fighter.”

PDSA veterinary surgeon Lynne James said: “Unfortunately we do see cases like CC’s across our 48 pet hospitals and we firmly believe there needs to be a ban on snares.

“They are inhumane; catching a range of wild and domestic animals, including protected species and beloved family pets, often resulting in severe injury or death.

“Animals caught in snares naturally panic and struggle to break free, this causes it to cut deeper into the skin and flesh, seriously harming the animal.

“Unless found, animals suffer horrendously, possibly for many hours, before they die.”

The snares are outlawed in Wales and the PDSA is calling for a ban on the manufacture, sale, possession and use of them all over the UK.