A cat who was painted pink with a toxic wood stain by its owner has been rehomed.
Animal welfare campaigner, Fernanda Castelha, saw a video of the moggy on social media.
She alerted police, who tracked down its owner at her home and confronted her.
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As well as being painted pink, the cat had no access to food or water.
Police say the 37-year-old owner was a drug user and appeared agitated when questioned.
She reportedly admitted it wasn’t the first time she had painted the cat but gave no explanation as to why.
Fernanda – who is also a councillor in Araxá, Brazil – told local media: “The woman was disoriented, with her hair dyed green and blue, and didn’t seem fully aware of what she was doing.
“According to reports, she’d done the same thing before, when the cat was still a kitten.
“It doesn’t appear to have been done out of cruelty, but rather a lack of judgement – especially as she seemed to like the animal.
“Even so, what happened is unacceptable.”
The cat was seized and placed in the care of another guardian in Araxá, as reported by NeedToKnow.
The former owner has been released on bail but could face prison, a fine, and a ban on pet ownership if found guilty of animal abuse.
Vet Líbia Cristina Franco told local media that the wood stain used contains highly toxic chemicals.
She said: “Many of the chemicals found in wood stain can affect an animal’s nervous system, kidneys and respiratory system, and may also trigger allergic reactions.”
The cat may have developed contact dermatitis, which can cause intense itching, flaking, infection, and even chemical burns.
It would also have inhaled the fumes, which could result in breathing difficulties, lung inflammation, or even death.
Líbia said: “Cats also naturally groom themselves by licking their fur, so by ingesting the paint, they can be exposed to toxic substances that affect the kidneys, liver and brain.”
Fernanda added: “I was deeply shocked by the situation.
“You do feel sorry, especially seeing the woman’s condition.
“But that doesn’t excuse what was done.
“Animals aren’t objects – they’re not disposable.
“They’re sentient beings, which means they feel pain, fear, affection and hunger.
“In my view, anyone who mistreats an animal is just as capable of doing the same to a person.”
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