RESCUERS of a 14-year-old stray cat found near Taunton are fundraising for a full teeth extraction surgery that she "badly needs".

Coco, a small elderly black cat, was found by Emma Circir and her husband on East Reach in Taunton earlier this month when they spotted "blood and pus coming out of its mouth".

The pair took Coco to Vets for Pets in Taunton and discovered that she had been missing for five years and living as a stray.

Unfortunately, the previous owner was unable to take Coco back but let the vets know her name, and that she was 14-years-old.

Emma, who had been checking in every day while the vets took care of Coco, offered to adopt the cat when she had recovered enough to be taken home.

Sadly vets found that "a full teeth extraction", costing £750, would be the best option to ensure Coco is not in pain and can eat, due to the poor condition of her teeth.

Emma said: "The vets have looked after Coco and tried to make her mouth better but unfortunately all her teeth are so badly rotten and she's still in a lot of pain and barely eating.

"The only thing left to do is a full teeth extraction so she can be pain-free."

Emma added: "I've asked if I could adopt her as soon as she is well enough after her surgery and give this beautiful senior girl all the love in the world in her twilight years."

Emma has set up a Just Giving to help fundraise for the treatment and is hopeful that she will be able to bring Coco home to live out her remaining years.

She added: "If anybody could help with funds towards her surgery me and Coco would be eternally grateful."