A cat has been rescued after getting a pickle jar stuck on its head.

The poor puss was spotted in the tight spot outside a paper recycling firm in Kemsley, Sittingbourne.

Staff contacted the RSPCA, and inspectors arrived to find the animal in a distressed state.

But they could not coax it out from under a portable cabin, forcing them to leave it with the jar stuck on its head for several days.

Animal collection officer Emma Byrne, who was called at around 2.30pm on Tuesday, said: "I spotted the frightened and confused cat under a portable cabin but couldn't reach him so set up a trap.

"Litter can be lethal" - Emma Byrne, RSPCA animal collection officer

"We went back to check on him that night but he’d still not ventured out from his hiding place and stayed hidden for the next few days.

"But, when we returned again on Thursday he was sat in the middle of the yard and we managed to catch him with a net.

"I freed him from the jar and we gave him a check over but, luckily, he wasn’t injured and was in a good condition.

"A big thank you to Nicky Honey, from the Mobile Cat Neutering Clinic, and to staff for being so helpful.

"The puss went home with Nicky who has kept an eye on him and plans to neuter him before releasing him."

The charity is now urging people to dispose of litter properly.

Emma continued: "Leaving litter lying around can be very dangerous for wildlife and for our pets.

"This puss had a lucky escaped but discarded jars, tin cans, elastic bands or carrier bags can be a real death trap for animals and birds.

"We would urge everyone to do their bit and throw their rubbish away properly. Or, if you see rubbish littering your pavements, verges and parks, please pop it in a nearby bin.

"Litter can be lethal."

Since being rescued, Pickle, who turned out to be a female, is on the road to recovery.

Nicky said: "Pickle is doing quite well, plainly feral so very timid. She is quite thin and has wounds around her neck where she had been fighting to remove the jar from her head.

"She's eating very well so hopefully we will be able to get her neutered and put her back into an environment where she fills more settled."

If you see an animal in distress, call the RSPCA's 24-hour emergency line on 0300 1234 999.