A cat was found left for dead in stifling temperatures during the hottest week of the year.

Five-year-old ginger Tom cat Basil was discovered in a taped up litter tray in Stanford Hill on Saturday.

He is being treated for sores to his legs and shock by the Wood Green Animals Charity, in Lordship Lane.

Basil was one three cats found abandoned in the region in temperatures exceeding 23 degrees.

Head of animal welfare Linda Cantle said: “I am saddened to say that if it wasn’t for the caring individuals who brought these cats into our Wood Green centres, these beautiful cats could have died a slow and painful death.

“Abandoning an animal like this is extremely irresponsible and causes considerable unnecessary suffering. Anyone needing to give up a pet should contact their local rescue centre.”