Jobless Natasha Gregory, who dyed her cat bright pink to match her hair, will receive a dressing down before having it returned to her, the RSPCA said this week.

An officer from the animal charity will be visiting the single mum to offer welfare advice about the potential hazards and consequences of dyeing cats.

Miss Gregory, 22, said yesterday that she and her two children were looking forward to its return.

“I have no idea when it’s coming back but we are looking forward to it.”

She said that although some people might take a dim view of the cat being dyed she had no regrets. “I made sure the dye was safe to use because it was harmless food colouring. There is no way I would hurt an animal.”

The cat was taken to the RSPCA by a concerned man after he found it in his back garden in Swindon and feared the animal was the victim of a sick prank.

It was then put in the care of vet Penny Gillespie, who runs Cheldene Cattery, near Ogbourne St George. She said the cat appeared none the worse for its experience and she had decided not to try to wash the dye out to avoid further distress for the animal.

Miss Gregory, of Angel Ridge, Old Town, Swindon, said she got the idea to dye the cat, called Oi! Kitty, from a US television show where people did a similar thing with dogs.

She said: “It’s my favourite colour, I love it. I’ve dyed my hair pink and I adore pink clothes.

“Turning Oi! Kitty pink seemed like a good idea. I always wanted a pink animal – a bit like my hair.

“I read the instructions on the food colouring and there was nothing that would harm humans or animals. We eat the food the dye is used on, so I knew it wasn’t toxic.”

RSPCA officers have washed the cat since it was found, but its colour has only faded slightly.

Miss Gregory contacted the RSPCA after seeing the publicity the case had received in the press and asked them to return the cat.

An RSPCA spokeswoman said its officers will be visiting Miss Gregory to give her advice on animal care. She added: “Following the visit, as no offence has been committed and as a vet has confirmed the cat is in good health, she will be returned to her owner.”