A stray cat found with a severely swollen and bleeding head in County Durham is making an astonishing recovery after being rescued by the RSPCA.
The RSPCA was contacted about the adult female cat that had been straying in the Horden area, near Peterlee. The people who found her had become very concerned for her welfare after they noticed the cat had horrific injuries to her face and head.
RSPCA Inspectors Christine Nisbet and Steph Baines were called to collect the cat, who they have nicknamed 'Phoebe,' and rushed her to a vet for urgent treatment. Christine said Phoebe was in a "terrible state" when they found her as her wounds had become infected.
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It's believed the injuries were caused by two "very nasty bites" on her forehead, most likely from another cat. Due to the extent of her injuries, Phoebe was unable to open one of her eyes and was "really weak".
Christine said: "Poor Phoebe was in a terrible state when we found her. She’s been a stray in the area for some time, but these injuries were really severe and she would have been in a lot of pain. Her head and face were really swollen, she couldn’t open one of her eyes at all, and she was really weak. She was in desperate need of veterinary treatment.
"Steph and I collected her from a street where she’d been found, and took her to a local vet where she was given urgent treatment. It turns out the injuries were two very nasty bites on her forehead, most likely from another cat that had become infected and incredibly sore."
Phoebe was given painkillers and antibiotics and the veterinary team cleaned her wounds making her much more comfortable. Christine and Steph then took her to a local RSPCA centre where she will continue her recovery.
Christine added: "I’m delighted to say that Phoebe is a strong little cat and she’s making a great recovery already. After just one week of treatment and care, the swelling has hugely improved and she’s looking a lot brighter and can open her eye again. We’re so grateful to the people who contacted us to let us know Phoebe was in such desperate need of our help."
Phoebe will continue her recovery in the care of the RSPCA, and when she is ready, she will be found a loving new home. To help the RSPCA continue rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming animals like Phoebe in desperate need of care visit the website or call the donation line on 0300 123 8181.
