SAN DIEGO -- A Del Mar cat owner is warning neighbors that someone is committing horrible acts of animal abuse.

Sarah Jane Lloyd's 13-year-old cat, Bert, is in critical condition after someone set the animal on fire Wednesday.

A witness called animal control and the cat was rushed to a Mission Valley veterinary clinic.

The cat is suffering third-degree burns over most of its body, 10News reported. It has had two blood transfusions already, and may need a third.

Lloyd said that until police catch the person responsible, she is encouraging friends to keep their pets indoors.