Cat’s leg amputated due to metal wire

Keith was rescued by the RSPCA but had to have his leg amputated

A cat who was found in West Yorkshire with metal wire twisted tightly around his paw has had to have his leg amputated.

Keith was taken into a vet by a member of the public who’d found him straying in their garden in Leatham Park Road, Featherstone, on 27 October unable to put weight on his leg.

The vets contacted the RSPCA after removing a metal wire from his paw which they believe had been deliberately twisted around his leg.

RSPCA Animal Rescue Officer Emmeline Myall, who is now investigating, said: “Poor Keith had a loop of metal wire which had been wrapped around his leg, cutting off the circulation to his paw.

“Vets who removed the wire believe it had been applied deliberately due to the way it had been twisted and wrapped at the end.”

Keith – a black and white adult male – was moved to the RSPCA’s Greater Manchester Animal Hospital where vets amputated the leg and he’s now recovering in their care.

Emmeline is appealing for information in relation to how Keith suffered the injuries. Anyone with information can contact the RSPCA’s appeal line on 0300 123 8018, quoting reference 01380008.

Emmeline added: “I’d like to thank the member of the public who found Keith, realised he was injured and needed help, and took him to the local vet. Their quick thinking and actions meant Keith could receive urgent care, treatment and pain relief – had they not helped him he may well have struggled on with this injury for many days or weeks, which would have been incredibly painful.

“Stray cats are incredibly resourceful and can live happy, healthy lives on the streets without the need for intervention from charities like the RSPCA. However, if they become injured or fall ill, they often need help quickly.

“We’d ask people with stray cats in their area to keep an eye on them. If you believe they could be in need of help and are able to catch them, please take them to a local vet for care.

“When an animal is sick or injured the best thing is for them to see a vet as quickly as possible. By all working together to keep an eye on the animals around us and take action when needed we can help to create a better world for every kind.”

The RSPCA has launched its Join the Christmas Rescue campaign to help bring joy and safety to other animals like Keith. For thousands of terrified and injured animals, we’ll turn the worst suffering into the best Christmas yet – because it will be the one where their lives change forever, and the start of many happier Christmases to come.