Stray cat found with gaping neck wound saved by emergency vet surgery
AN INJURED stray cat has used up one of its nine lives after being found with a 10cm wound across its throat.
The black cat, which was found in Grace St, Springvale on October 4, was a given a second chance at life thanks to the efforts of a good Samaritan, an emergency vet hospital and the RSPCA.
The male moggie was found on the street and taken to the 24-hour Animal Emergency Centre in Mt Waverley, before being transferred to the care of the RSPCA veterinarian team at Burwood East.
It’s not believed that any person was involved in inflicting the wound.
RSPCA Victoria chief executive Dr Liz Walker said the cat was doing well since its surgery.
“There is no doubt this cat is lucky to be alive,” Dr Walker said.
“He was brought in with a 10cm laceration, with the muscles exposed, oozing pus.
‘It’s taken weeks of care, but he’s now eating and looking so much better.”
Dr Walker said the cat, believed to be about two years old, would not have survived without veterinary intervention.
“This case certainly debunks the myth that stray cats are some sort of resilient, street-tough animal,” she said.
The surgical procedure and hospital care for the cat — which included daily bandage changes, desexing and microchipping — totalled around $2342.
The as-yet-unnamed cat will soon be up for adoption once it’s fully recovered.
Details: rspcavic.org.