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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

I don't know if I am.

59 replies

Cathycomehome · 22/08/2011 02:27

I deregistered from the site but am back (mostly as a lurker from now on, I've learnt a lesson) but it's late and I don't know where else I could get answers.

I have two cats. One of them has been horrifically injured; the vet thinks he has been caught in a trap/snare.

He came in last night with his left front leg literally (sorry if you're sqeamish) hanging on by threads. My son heard his cries, found him in the kitchen and screamed (leg VERY alarming looking;it wasn't his fault). Cat went off and we couldn't find him despite extensive searches of garden.

This morning came back howling and crying. Leg obviously very seriously damaged indeed. AWFUL. We got him to out of hours vet this morning. The vet said it was the worst non fatal injury he'd ever seen. The cat has now had the leg amputated and is touch and go for survival - I have to ring up tomorrow at 8.30 for an update on condition. He also has secondary wounds on his chest which the vet thinks were caused by an animal attacking him whilst he was trapped.

I know two local farmers who are pretty open about setting traps. They say they have signs up so they're legal.

Are they? Because I want to report them to the RSPCA. The heart rending cries from my cat and his shock and trauma were horrible until the vet sedated him after a 35 minute car drive to vet this morning, not to mention putting the poor bastard in the box to go to vets.

Sorry so long.

OP posts:
Original poster
Cathycomehome · 22/08/2011 10:16

Thanks again for messages - my partner has just set off to get the cat, so in about an hour and a half he will be back home again! I am a bit nervous about how he will be/what his wound will be like, I will admit, but really, just so relieved that he is safe and not in pain anymore. I hope he will cope with the three legs like yours did, Onemorning - the vet did say that they do fine with just three.

Tempted to cook the salmon I was saving for dinner for the cat! Grin

OP posts:
fanjobanjowanjo · 22/08/2011 10:22

Do it :) I am so sorry your pud had to go through this and wish you all a speedy recovery from this!

Mitmoo · 22/08/2011 10:23

My neighbours cat only had three legs, he did just fine too. Yep on this one I'd definately give the kitty the salmon.

LyingWitchInTheWardrobe2726 · 22/08/2011 10:33

Best wishes for your cat, Cathycomehome. I hope your DS is ok too, come to terms with the fact that it's a natural instinct for an animal to run off when injured and that he had nothing to do with that.

I've seem so many limber three-legged cats that I sometimes wonder if four legs are actually an encumbrance. :)

Original poster
Cathycomehome · 22/08/2011 18:40

Pud does look a bit alarming to be honest, but when the fur grows back it will be fine. He has jumped(!!) up on to the dining room table and slept on there most of the day - he also ate some salmon (yes, I did it! Blush) and drank some water, and even purred a bit when I stroked him.

OP posts:
summertimeblews · 22/08/2011 18:43

oh bless you, and him xx

Original poster
Cathycomehome · 22/08/2011 20:00

I forgot to add! I am glad people said it wasn't unreasonable to call the RSPCA about the cat having been trapped, what with getting him home and all. Thought I might ring and say something like "Our cat has been horribly injured and lost a leg and the vet thinks it has been caught in a trap/snare in this area" and then they can investigate or not as they see fit? At least that way I have at least mentioned the possibility? Or if not how would others go about it?

OP posts:
Onemorning · 22/08/2011 21:07

That sounds great. And I'm so glad to hear Pud jumped on to the table and ate salmon, that's great news.

Jasper used to use humans as a fourth leg until he got his balance right - he'd lean his empty hip into my ankle. (((((Three-legged cats))))

Jellykat · 22/08/2011 22:13

Oh what a terrible story, but glad Pud is eating well, purring etc.. Our neighbours cat lost his leg, and manages fine..

Definitely ring the RSPCA, if the local farmers are open about having traps/ snares they won't mind having them inspected would they?.. they could be catching/ injuring other wildlife like badgers, foxes etc.. i'd actually notify the RSPCA of their known existence.. Bloody horrible cruel things that they are.

Original poster
Cathycomehome · 22/08/2011 22:49

Well, I can't name any names, as I have zero proof and wouldn't want to get on the wrong side of people (very rural smal community) but I thought giving the RSPCA the info about the cat's injuries and likely cause and area and letting them do what they think best would be the right idea?

Other cat lying with injured one and licking his face which is quite sweet.

OP posts:
DogsBestFriend · 22/08/2011 22:58

This website appears to be able to give valuable advice.

One of my cats went missing for 3 days recently, returning with very obvious snare marks around her back legs... not "teeth" style snare marks but wire style ones. I live in the country, the culprit could be any one of several farmers around here. Last year I found two dead adult foxes, clearly killed then thrown beside their den... it was cub season too, any cubs would have died of starvation. :(

If I ever get my hands on the bastard responsible for ANY of those actions, mine, yours or upon the foxes, I'll make him or her wish they'd never been born.

Please DO report it. I have a low opinion of the RSPCA but they're all we've got really.

Original poster
Cathycomehome · 22/08/2011 23:04

God - that website is very distressing! I will report it tomorrow, but only completely factually - ie: Vet thinks it was consistent with having been caught in a snare, we live in this area, cat was lucky to survive and is maimed.

Thanks for advice.

OP posts:
DogsBestFriend · 22/08/2011 23:08

FYI, types of snares.

It might be worth printing that off for your vet and seeing if he/she can identify the type of snare for the benefit of your case to the RSPCA and police.

Original poster
Cathycomehome · 22/08/2011 23:12

Well I was too squeamish to look at it for long but (do not read if of sensitive disposition) the whole back of the leg was a mashed up mess of blood and crushed bone, and the leg was hanging limply off the cat, apparently held on by skin. OMG - I've just seen it again in my head!!

The vet's first words were "Oh my good GOD!". Sad

OP posts:
Jellykat · 22/08/2011 23:13

Completely understand as i live in a small rural community too Grin
I have been known to scream at the hunt and brandish large sticks, but avoided putting posters up re. anti badger cull, for fear of a brick being lobbed!

See what the RSPCA say anyway, i hope they can do something...

Ahhhh at your last sentence.. v. sweet! Smile

hester · 22/08/2011 23:14

What a horrible experience for you all.

I also know a three legged cat who copes very well - it seems quite common!

Hope your cat makes a quick recovery, and that your ds isn't too distressed.

DogsBestFriend · 22/08/2011 23:15

Poor Mog... sending my love to him and wishing him a rapid recovery.

Jellykat · 22/08/2011 23:16

Oh took too long to post msg, sweet = your last sentence posted at 22:49 Cathy.

Original poster
Cathycomehome · 22/08/2011 23:17

Looking at the website - I didn't realise "trap" and "snare" are not interchangable. Vet said trap I think, and I think just from the injury that it must have been a trap to make SUCH a mess of the leg. Unless my cat chewed through his OWN leg to escape, which has also been suggested!

OP posts:
Original poster
Cathycomehome · 22/08/2011 23:19

Oh thanks Jellykat and DogsBestFriend! I missed those two posts!

OP posts:
Jellykat · 22/08/2011 23:30

I don't understand though.. last year our local police had a snare amnesty week, when local farmers could deposit their snares, without reprisals - 100s were handed in.. yet from what others have linked to, they don't seem to be illegal if inspected or placed properly.. wonder if it's different here in Wales?..

Would be interested to hear what the RSPCA say, if possible, Cathy.

Original poster
Cathycomehome · 22/08/2011 23:34

I'll see what they say tomorrow and let you know. Another poster earlier on mentioned pet insurance too - both cats are now covered! I didn't bother with it previously as I thought the main danger was that they would be run over, and I thought that that would kill them so no point. Was an idiot, but know better now!! Really hope we don't NEED the insurance though!

OP posts:
DogsBestFriend · 22/08/2011 23:40

Jellycat, ScuttleButter is a Welsh animal welfare campaigner. She may well have the answers to your questions or be able to point you towards those who can help so you may like to catch her in the Doghouse with your questions.

I was going to suggest that you PM her but the answers and a discussion would help all of us pet owners so if it's okay with you I think that a thread on the subject would be more beneficial. Perhaps, if you care to start one in Doghouse, it would help too if you posted in the LitterTray section linking to your original post.

BimboNo5 · 22/08/2011 23:50

Thats awful, your poor cat that would floor me (and the kids). And this has made me examine my feelings on traps/snares. Although I understand the reason for keeping animals away even rodents/vermin dont deserve to die in agony in such an inhumane way. I hope you get some answers about how legal it is.

Jellykat · 22/08/2011 23:52

I know a couple of Animal Rights campaigners here, i'll email them tomorrow - they'll know (will post answer) but if they don't get back to me in time, i'll start thread tomorrow early evening, when more MNers are about...

Will be interesting to find out!

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