An animal charity is heartbroken after one of the abandoned cats in its care died, despite undergoing surgery.

Bleakholt Animal Sanctuary, in Edenfield, is now appealing to the public and needs to raise around £3,000 for the cat’s vet bills.

The cat, which the charity named Penelope, and her four kittens were rescued earlier this month.

The kittens were found dumped in a bag near the A56 bypass in Haslingden. They were rescued first and Penelope was found later.  

After arriving at Bleakholt it was discovered part of Penelope’s small intestine had dropped down into another part of her abdomen.

She needed emergency surgery but later died of complications, after her bowel ruptured and she developed sepsis.

A spokesperson for the charity said they were “devastated” she couldn’t be saved but said her kittens are still healthy.

A spokesperson said: “We are so very sad to update that the mum of the abandoned kittens, who we named Penelope, has passed away.

“[After the surgery complications] her body was too weak and there was nothing further the vets could do.

“We are devastated we couldn’t save her after all she has been through.

“On a happier note all her kittens, which are around four weeks old, are doing really well.

“We want to thank the vets for trying so hard to save her and Rosie Allan for all her hard work locating mum.

“Penelope’s surgery and vet stay is in the region of £3,000, we know times are so hard but if anyone is able to donate we would be so grateful.”

To make a donation to the charity visit its website: www.bleakholt.org/help/donating/