The five-month old feline underwent extensive surgery at Endsmeet Animal Hospital and is making steady progress.

Warwick resident, Andrew Critch, had noticed the feral kitten was having breathing difficulties as he put down food for it on Sunday.

He contacted the Bermuda Feline Assistance Bureau (BFAB) who attended the address the next morning. Several attempts were made to catch the kitten over the next few days.

This morning the charity’s trapper successfully rescued the animal.

The kitten had the collar surgically removed by vets earlier today.

Mr Critch has now agreed to look after the little animal as it recovers.

BFAB vice president Val Sherwood said: “This is the third incident we have dealt with in a very short space of time where a cat has had to have something surgically removed from around its neck.

“We were very concerned for this little kitten but she has made good progress after the operation.

“It is not out of the woods yet but we are very lucky that Mr Critch has agreed to take care of it.

“This case shows how desperately we need legislation to control the feral community.

“Cats need to be licenced just like dogs and spaying and neutering needs to be made mandatory to control the population.

“I would urge people not to leave their rubbish outside their homes at night as this only attracts feral cats.”