Tiny kitten with missing paw dumped in box on Oldham playing fields

Sadly the cat’s injuries were too severe for her to make a recovery

The RSPCA is appealing for information after a tiny kitten was found in a soggy box in Oldham having suffered extreme leg injuries.

A member of the public came across the stricken cat, who had both of her hind legs bandaged up, at around 5pm on Tuesday, October 18 at Oldham Edge Playing Fields.

She placed the cat in a dry box and took her home, but the seriousness of her injuries became apparent later when she contacted the RSPCA. The young cat was taken to the RSPCA Greater Manchester Animal Hospital, where it was found her injuries were so severe  that a vet decided  the kindest thing to do was to put her to sleep to end her suffering.

RSPCA animal rescue officer Lee Ferrans said: “When I turned up to collect the kitten from the caller she had ripped the bandages off and it was clear she was suffering from a really bad wound to one leg while a paw was missing on her other back leg.

“A vet has suggested that the missing paw was probably lost during birth, so this case looks more like neglect than intentional harm to an animal. But it is impossible to tell what has actually happened here.

“So we would like to hear from anyone who knows how this cat was abandoned in these sad circumstances to contact us.”

The abandonment illustrates the issues the animal charity is facing as the cost of living crisis takes hold and more people are sadly giving up their pets or dumping them in vulnerable situations. The RSPCA has advice on how people can cope with the costs of vet bills and healthcare for their pets along with other useful tips on its advice and welfare pages on the cost of living crisis.

The abandoned kitten in Oldham was around four weeks old and had white and grey tabby markings. If anyone has information about the incident please ring the RSPCA appeals line number on 0300 123 8018.

Could you offer a rescue pet a loving new home? Please visit Find A Pet to see all of the animals currently in our care who are looking for their paw-fect match.

If you can’t offer a rescue pet a new home perhaps you could help in a different way?

• Become a fosterer for a sick pet recovering from surgery or a youngster who needs to learn how to behave in a home;

• Help us continue rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming by donating online or calling our donation line on 0300 123 8181;

• Sponsor a cat pod or a dog kennel and help take care of the animals during their stay with us;

• Support the work of your local centre or branch by becoming a volunteer or donating to them directly.

To help the RSPCA continue rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming animals in desperate need of care please visit our website or call our donation line on 0300 123 8181.