by Simon Tulett

stulett@thekmgroup.co.uk

A brave cat whose body was shattered in a horrific road crash had a fairy-tail ending when she was saved by vets.

Curious Cinderella, known as Rella, almost went to the big fur ball in the sky when the collision left her with a ruptured diaphragm and fractured pelvis.

The impact of the crash, in March, forced her stomach into her lungs, but the pet managed to drag herself home to owner Jo Phillips, who rushed her to PDSA vets in a desperate bid to save her.

The 83-year-old, from Gravesend, said: “I let Rella out every morning and she usually heads straight to her favourite sleeping spot on the shelf in the greenhouse. After a few hours when I couldn’t see her there I was very concerned as she never strays too far.”

Later that evening, and by this time frantic with worry, she heard the cat flap move and rushed into the kitchen to greet Rella, but her heart dropped when she saw her lifeless pet on the kitchen mat with her back legs limp and twisted.

“I couldn’t believe what I was seeing and burst into tears,” she said. “I was so afraid I was going to lose my companion.”

PDSA vets at Gillingham PetAid hospital, who treated Rella, said they were some of the worst injuries they had ever seen.

Vet Georgina Smith said: “Rella was in a deep state of shock when she arrived and was in a very bad way. One look at her and we knew we had just minutes to stabilise her. Due to the extent of her injuries it was amazing she was still able to breathe.”

After emergency surgery Rella was allowed home, but was under strict cage rest for six weeks to ensure that her bones, ligaments, nerves and muscles could heal properly - something made easier by a feline friend.

Mrs Phillips said: “Rella’s best friend Bobby, a two-year-old cat who lives nearby, used to come and visit her – I think he’s her Prince Charming.”
She added: “I’m so grateful to PDSA for their hard work. Without them Rella wouldn’t be here today. Thanks to them, she got her happy ever after.”