Owner who dyed cat pink reunited with pet after RSPCA says she didn't commit a crime
A woman who dyed her cat bright pink to match her hair will have her pet returned to her after the RSPCA decided she hadn't committed a crime.
An officer from the animal charity will visit the cat's owner to give her a dressing down, offering welfare advice about the potential hazards and consequences of dyeing cats.
Natasha Gregory, 22, said she dyed the naturally white cat using food colouring to match her own pink hair.
The cat was taken into the RSPCA by a concerned man after he found it in his back garden in Swindon, Wiltshire.
Miss Gregory, of Swindon, said she got the idea to dye the cat, called Oi! Kitty, from a US television show where people did a similar thing with dogs.
She said: "It's my favourite colour, I love it. I've dyed my hair pink and I adore pink clothes.
"Turning Oi! Kitty pink seemed like a good idea. I always wanted a pink animal - a bit like my hair.
"I read the instructions on the food colouring and there was nothing that would harm humans or animals. We eat the food the dye is used on, so I knew it wasn't toxic."
RSPCA officers have washed the cat since it was found, but its colour has only faded slightly.
Miss Gregory contacted the RSPCA after seeing the publicity the case had received in the press and asked them to return the cat.
An RSPCA spokeswoman said the RSPCA will be visiting Miss Gregory to give her advice on animal care.
She added: "Following the visit, as no offence has been committed and as a vet has confirmed the cat is in good health, she will be returned to her owner."
