We received a call from a member of the public asking for help with a cat, Arwen, and kittens. When our cattery staff arrived, they were faced with an emergency situation and a shocking discovery. This poor young cat was paralysed from the waist down after being involved in a road traffic accident. Shockingly, she also had 4, 10-day old kittens with her.

It was obvious to the staff that Arwen was in extreme pain and needed urgent medical attention. Arwen’s owner agreed to let us take her, so she could be seen by our vet. It was clear to them that she desperately needed surgery and she was taken to a specialist vet for examination, MRI and spinal surgery. She had a fracture in the base of the spine with some loose fragments of bone.

After surgery she had some incontinence issues, but this appeared to be temporary. Arwen went into a foster home with her kittens in another foster care, as she was unable to care for them with such major injuries.  

She did amazingly well. With around-the-clock care and being absolutely doted on. She had  limited activity only allowed under supervision, and enjoyed plenty of social interaction.   Her recovery was a long journey but she made good progress. Both our vet and the specialist who performed her surgery were amazed by how quickly she recovered after such a major operation.  However, It is likely she will still need surgery to remove her tail in future.  Arwen’s kittens were hand-reared by staff, and did so well that they were ready to go to their forever homes.

With kindness, support and generous donations to support her treatment, we were able to save her life and that of all her kittens!