VETS battling to work out what was making a kitten unwell, were shocked when an x-ray revealed an entire wishbone lodged in her throat.

The seven-month-old Carlisle moggy was given just a 50-50 chance of survival after vet Lisa Kerr discovered the obstruction - warning owner Christina Kirkpatrick that she had never come across anything like it before.

Despite undergoing major surgery, Sox was back at home in Blackwell Road, Currock, within 48 hours - and has now made a full recovery.

Christina and Lisa have both now spoken out to remind cat owners of the dangers posed by bones.

The drama began about three weeks ago, when one of Christina's other cats stole part of a roast chicken carcass.

"We think Sox must have just followed the other cat and eaten her share," Christina explained.

"She was quiet all evening which I immediately thought was odd, because she usually has her mad kitten 10 minutes in the evening. As soon as I touched her neck there was something not right."

Sox was taken to the vets but the vet thought she had perhaps scratched her throat and sent Christina off with pain-killers.

However the little kitten failed to improve the following day and, by the third day, Christina had eventually had enough and decided to take her to Vets4Pets in Carlisle.

An x-ray immediately revealed the perfectly intact wishbone, wedged in her oesophagus - digging into the lining and preventing Sox from swallowing food.

"I was shocked to be honest," admitted Christina. "It was the angle it was stuck down her throat. How she survived it I don't know.

"Lisa said she needed to operate, but said it was a 50/50 chance she'd survive, as she'd never seen it before.

"We were told we had to make a decision to operate - but it would be costly - or to have her put down, otherwise she would starve to death.

"There was no choice."

The operation was a success, but Lisa asked Christina if she could take Sox home with her to keep an eye on her overnight.

"In no time Sox was around from her anaesthetic and eating small amounts of food," explained Lisa.

"The next morning she was feeling much better and went home with her lucky wishbone safely stored in a pot."

"She's absolutely fine now," said Christina. "A bit more clingy but no less cheeky.

"I just want people to be aware. Our cats catch pigeons so you don't think a chicken will be a problem.

"You just need to be extra vigilant."

Lisa added: "Sox was one of the lucky ones, bones can be extremely harmful to our pets."