People in Shropshire are being urged to take care to empty food out of tins before putting them out for recycling – to stop scavenging cats from getting their heads stuck in them.

The RSPCA has reported a spate of incidents in which officers have been called out to reports of cats jamming their heads in tins. Spokeswoman Judith Haw said it could become a problem in Shropshire.

She made the warning following the pledge of £4.2 million to expand household recycling services.

She said: “With the amount of recycling boxes in Shropshire and obviously the potential of more being put out in the future, the potential is there for this to happen in the county.

“We would urge people to be very careful with their tins if they are putting them out for recycling.

“The best thing to do as far as possible is to make sure all food has been scraped out of tins and they are completely empty. If food is left in tins it is natural that it will attract animals, be it cats or other species.”

One incident occurred in Ewart Street in Chirk, where a black cat had to be freed by RSPCA animal welfare officer Claire Davies.

It escaped uninjured – but Mrs Davies said it was no joke. “It may seem funny to people, but this is no laughing matter,” she said. “Cats will often wander in streets and gardens and are attracted to refuse bags. Wildlife are also at risk from injury or death.

“When I rescued the cat in Chirk, the re- cycling boxes were lying out to be emptied.

“It’s great that more and more people are recycling their tin cans, but I would urge people to use greater caution.”

The recycling pledge by Telford & Wrekin Council includes plans to extend the types of object that can be put out for kerbside recycling, as well as the possible building of two new huge waste centres in the borough.

If you spot an animal in distress call the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999.