A WOMAN whose cat starved to death after she left it “home alone” at a Flint property for nine days has admitted two animal cruelty charges.

Samantha McIntyre appeared at Wrexham Magistrates’ Court on a warrant to answer the charges brought by the RSPCA.

She left the black and white female cat, called Lulu, and her three kittens at her former home in Coed Onn Road while she was visiting her partner in Bradford.

Glen Murphy, prosecuting for the RSPCA, said: “She was away for a nine-day period and when she was away in Bradford the cat died. RSPCA officers managed to seize the three other animals who were okay.

“The veterinary evidence and post-mortem is quite clear that the only reason the cat died was malnutrition.”

The court heard that McIntyre, 44, was suffering from mental health problems and the prosecutor admitted: “This is the type of case where we need a pre-sentence report” as it falls into the category of “greater harm”.

McIntyre, now of Copse Wood, Foston Lane, Fagley, Bradford admitted causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal by failing to provide adequate nutrition for her needs between June 21 and June 30 this year.

She also pleaded guilty to not taking steps to ensure the needs of the female cat and three kittens were met in that she did not make suitable arrangements for the welfare of the animals.

Melissa Griffiths, defending, said that McIntyre had moved out of Flintshire and was now living in West Yorkshire.

McIntyre will be sentenced on November 25.