Simon Roberts (29) of Green Park Close, Blackburn, admitted failing to meet the needs of the ginger and white male called Fudge when he appeared before Pennine Magistrates Court.

He was sentenced to a 12-month conditional discharge and ordered to pay a £1,000 fine.

RSPCA inspector Katherine Hamblin said: "What this man did was completely irresponsible. People must meet the needs of their animals by law, and failing to do so is an offence."

An RSPCA officer attended Mr Roberts' former address in Gisburn Street, Barndoldswick, after a call from a member of the public. The property was sealed up by the RSPCA for six days, during which time the seals remained unbroken. Fudge was letting himself in and out through an open window.

A neighbour, who was feeding Fudge, managed to confine him for collection.

"Fortunately Fudge was in good health when we found him but if it hadn't been for the call to us, and the neighbour's support, it might have been a different story," said Insp. Hamblin.

In mitigation, the court heard Mr Roberts had been returning to tend to the cat, but thought it had 'gone'.
"It's clear that he didn't look very far," she added.

Anyone who has concerns that an animal is suffering should call the RSPCA 24-hour cruelty hotline on 0300 1234 999.