West Ham defender Kurt Zouma arrived at Thames Magistrates' Court on Tuesday, along with his brother Yoan, for a first hearing.
The 27-year-old has pleaded guilty to two counts under the Animal Welfare Act.
Sentencing has been adjourned until June 1.
West Ham United defender Kurt Zouma has pleaded guilty to kicking and slapping a cat after a video emerged of the incident in February.
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Prosecutor Hazel Stevens told the court Kurt Zouma could be heard saying: "I swear I'll kill it; I swear I'll kill it."
The footballer has admitted to two counts of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal on February 6.
Yoan admitted one count of aiding, abetting, counselling or procuring his older brother to commit an offence.
Ms Stevens said the 40-second clip appeared to be carried out after the cats were deemed responsible for damaging a chair in the home.
"Kurt Zouma is determined to chastise or carry out some sort of retribution for the damage caused," she said.
"Since this footage was put in public domain there has been a spate of people hitting cats and posting it on various social media sites.
"Their behaviour falls short of what is expected of a high-profile image."
BREAKING: West Ham defender Kurt Zouma pleads guilty to two counts of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal under the Animal Welfare Act. pic.twitter.com/qSmadOrHuQ
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The court heard the Premier League defender has since agreed for his two Bengal male cats to be re-homed.
