A three-year-old cat in constant pain from genetic deformities common to her breed needs life-changing surgery in a bid to ease her struggles.

Poppy, a Scottish Fold cat, was taken in by TAG Pet Rescue, an animal shelter in Margate, in December after her owner had to give her up.

Scottish Folds are bred for their unique appearance but are known for having problems that cause constant pain as a result of their breeding.

Their genes cause folded ears and severe abnormalities of all connective tissue which has led to them being banned in some countries, but not in England.

Poppy also has significant osteoarthritis which the team at TAG says is progressing fast.

Like in humans, this causes pain in her joints, which gets worse when she moves around and gets cold.

She also has grade three patella luxation - dislocation of the kneecap - in both knees which needs to be operated on as soon as possible to stop the damage from becoming too severe.

TAG volunteer Lin, who looks after Poppy, said: “Poor Poppy has been bred to look a certain way without a thought for her health and future well-being. She desperately needs surgery so she can be pain-free. Without it she will not be able to walk in just a couple of years.”

To help improve her life, TAG has started a fundraiser to pay for Poppy’s surgery.

The vet bills are estimated to cost a staggering £4,500 and the first round of her vital surgery is scheduled for tomorrow.

So far £1,645 has been raised.

Despite their health problems, the breed has become popular over recent years as their appearance has brought them internet fame.

They have also been in the news recently due to the film Argylle.

A-listers including singers Ed Sheeran and Taylor Swift also have the breed as pets and often share images on social media.

Previously animal welfare organisations have called for Scottish Folds to be banned over concerns for long-term health.

They feel more government regulation is needed when it comes to breeding animals with usual or extreme features.