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The RSPCA received more than 1,000 calls about cat cruelty in Wales during 2022, the charity has revealed.

Of the 1,072 reports it received, 600 were regarding neglect, while 89 were reports of intentional harm.

The RSPCA’s definition of intentional harm can include attempted killing, poisoning, beatings, improper killing and suspicious circumstances.

The figures have been released as part of the charity’s UK-wide Cancel Out Cruelty campaign.

Dr Sam Gaines, head of the RSPCA’s companion animal department, said: “Cats are one of the most popular pets in the UK with an estimated 11 million pet cats in UK homes – but our figures suggest sadly they are the second most abused pet – after dogs. 

“It is heart-breaking to think that five cats every day are suffering at the hands of humans – it really is appalling – but sadly the RSPCA knows all too well that this cruelty is carried out on a regular basis.”

Dr Gaines continued: “We see hundreds of felines come through our doors every year who have been subjected to unimaginable cruelty – being beaten, burned, thrown around, had bones broken, been shot at, poisoned and drowned.

“In many cases these pets have been injured deliberately by their owners – the very people who are supposed to love and protect them.

“But cats are also more vulnerable as they tend to be out and about on their own which can leave them vulnerable to airgun attacks and other forms of cruelty by complete strangers.”

The charity has said the cost-of-living crisis is thought to be a factor behind the increase in deliberate harm towards animals.

Elaine Spence, one of the RSPCA’s three chief inspectors in Wales, said: “While we don’t know for certain why there has been an increase, the cost-of-living crisis and the post-pandemic world we live in has created an animal welfare crisis.

“Each year, these reports reach its terrible annual peak in the summer months – when an animal is beaten on average every hour of every day. The cost-of-living crisis also means the cost of rescuing animals is at an all-time high and our vital services are stretched to the limit.”