by Simon Tulett

A cat owner was feline far from fine when his prized pet was unexpectedly given the snip at the vets.

Ian Renfrew had planned to breed Archie, a 16-month-old half British blue, after he gathered a string of admirers from friends and family.

But the idea was cut short after the animal went under the knife for a routine operation, and was given more of a chop than his owner says he bargained for.

Bosses at The Shrubbery Veterinary Centre in Northfleet claim they were given authorisation to carry out the procedure by the cat owner’s girlfriend.

But Mr Renfrew, 42, says he was left “gobsmacked” when he picked his pet up from surgery and was billed for a castration as well as a procedure to remove a small cist from its paw.

The Carillion Rail construction manager, of Nelson Road, Northfleet, said: “I was just so shocked I thought it was a wind-up. I couldn’t believe it. It’s like me going to the doctor’s for a check-up and coming out without my bits.”