A CAT owner has been banned from keeping animals after his cat was found with a third of his lip missing.

Fluffy, which was named by RSPCA officers who rescued it, was found by a member of the public roaming the streets in a poor condition.

Following an examination, a vet said it was likely the cat had not received medical treatment for three months for a flea allergy or an ulcer on his lip, which caused permanent scarring.

Joseph Furlonge, of George Road, Chingford, was found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to the cat.

He was given an 80-hour community penalty and banned from keeping any animal for 10 years.

RSPCA Inspector Dawn Avery rescued the cat and was able to trace the owner because it was microchipped.

She said: "Fluffy had a third of his lip missing because of an ulcer. This was from licking constantly at a flea allergy, and the cat had not been taken to a vet for this.

"We took him to a vet who estimated that Fluffy had been suffering for a minimum period of three months. He will be disfigured for life."

An RSPCA spokeswoman said the recession is increasing the number of animals abandoned and in need or treatment and she advises owners to take out insurance so they can spread the cost of veterinary treatment.

She said: “We are finding lots of animals abandoned that need treatment, often finance plays a part in that. It is against the law to cause an animal suffering. When you take on an animal, you need to take responsibility, including taking them to a vet.”

Although disfigured for life, Fluffy is expected to have a reasonable quality of life and the RSPCA is looking for a new home for him.

Furlonge was ordered to pay £650 costs.