The RSPCA is calling on people to squash tin cans before putting them to recycle after two cats got their heads jammed.

The animal charity said it had been called to two separate incidents of cats stuck in empty food cans in north Wales in the past month.

Animal welfare officer Claire Davies said it might seem funny, but cats could be seriously injured.

Both cats which became stuck were successfully freed.

In the first incident in Chirk, Wrexham a black cat was released uninjured.

Another black cat was successfully freed in a similar incident in Gwynedd.

"It may seen funny to people, but this is no laughing matter," said Ms Davies.

"Cats will often wander in streets and gardens and are attracted to refuse bags."

She said it was "brilliant" more and more people recycle their tin cans.

"But I would urge people to use greater caution," she said.

"Please squash your cans before placing them in rubbish bags.

"It will make it harder for curious cats to get themselves stuck," she added.