Found an injured cat. What do we do now?

[ThisLittleTeddyBear]

Last night my mum had to stop her car because there was a cat sitting in the middle of the road. It turns out that it had a bloody nose and was very dazed- so presumably a glancing blow from another car. Anyway, long story short, she took the cat home and has so far failed, despite my parent's best efforts, to trace the owner. It's a lovely young ginger tom, wearing a nice collar with the cat's name (but no other details), so is obviously loved by someone.

She has spoken to our vet and is taking him there this morning to see if he is chipped and to check him over. Poor thing has hidden under the bed in the spare room all night. They have seen him walking and he hasn't been crying so hopefully he isn't too badly injured, but don't think he has touched the water left for him, so worried about dehydration and shock.

Anyway, obviously the best course of events would be for the cat to be only mildly injured and for it to be chipped and the owner quickly found. But what if it needs a lot of treatment and the owner isn't found, will we be liable for the bill? Or will the poor thing be patched up and put into a rescue home? Mum has dogs and another cat, so it's not realistic for her but I am pet-free and am happy to look after it until the owner turns up. But in doing so, have I effectively 'adopted' the cat or will the RSPCA/Cats Protection etc help me with vet bills I just can't afford?

Any pearls of wisdom on this poor cat's care or on finding owners if he is not chipped would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Maybe post the name of the road and area on here.

Doesn't sound like he is too hurt so fingers crossed vet will do chip check and exam for free.

have you offered it food, even tuna or ham? many cats dont drink fresh water, no idea about the vet bills

Yeah, we put down a variety of things- both wet and dry cat food and some ham, didn't touch it, probably still in shock.

I would have thought you would be liable for any vets bill. The vet might be nice and not charge you, but how do they know you are not pulling a fast one and the cat is actually yours. If the owner is found fter the vet treats the cat they could well say they did not agree to a vet so refuse to pay the bill. if they were dicks

Vets are not the NHS. I hope the cat is OK and the owner is found. Good luck, but be prepared for a big vets bill. I guess you could contact the cats protectins league - they might take care of it.

Legally, your parents have now taken responsibility for the cat by taking it into their home and caring for it. That makes them responsible for it's welfare and also liable if they stop caring for it and something goes wrong. Ask the vet's advice: the RSPCA will cover an initial amount if an animal is hurt, I think, up to about £70, and they can claim that direct. Though, thinking about it, it may not be classed as an emergency at this point. Ring the vet for advice, and maybe log it with the RSPCA cruelty line as an RTA (0300 1234 999).

Thanks all, and thanks Chateau, that's helpful info. The cat was sitting still right in the middle of the road at 9pm and she couldn't get past, so the choices were- drive over it, move it and leave it bleeding on the pavement, or pick it up and try and deal with it in the morning. I suppose you could say we have done our bit already, and just hand it in to the cats protection and let them deal with it... But we've always had dogs and cats and know what it feels like when one goes missing, so want to give the owners the best chance of finding it.

The vet has known mum and our pets for years, and has said they will have a look at it and scan for a microchip without an appt. Suppose we'll take it from there.

Will make some notices and put them up. I'm a soft touch I know (get it from mum!) but I'd rather that than the alternative!......

Years ago I took in a stray breifly. I notified the local cat rescue people at the time so he effectively became under their care - although lodging with me. I needed to get vet treatment for him so phoned them first and then took him to the vet they used - and bills were covered by the rescue.
Maybe your local cat protection would do teh same? WOrth informing them anyway as if someone has lost a cat they may go to them to try and find it.

He was chipped!

The owner hadn't registered any helpful details like her address or number but a bit of detective work from the lovely receptionist found the details via another vet. He was checked over, and was fine apart from a grazed nose. The owner is disabled and couldn't easily get to our vets so mum dropped him home. She was very grateful, offered to pay any vet bills (there weren't any), and said that the cat's brother had been crying for him all night! You were right about the water ClaimedByMe, this cat only drinks semi-skimmed milk, slightly warmed in his own bowl

All's well that ends well, eh. Thanks for your replies, much appreciated.

Oh thats made me well up.

Although why the owner didnt at least give a phone number is beyond me.

It seems that she never sent the chip registration thingy off, assuming her vet would do it. A number on the collar would've had them reunited last night...

All things considered, one very lucky kitty.

Aww glad the cat is fine and back home :)

I love a happy ending. I hope someone would do this for Sparkling Cat if they found her injured. She is chipped and our details are current.

Oh a lovely happy ending. So pleased your Mum did the right thing & I'm sure if the cat could talk he'd be pleased with her too!

I adopted a cat a few years back too... (I'm in the States by the way). I was not able to receive any sort of gov't aid. The amount of animals euthanized in the US every year is appalling. I did, however, sign her up for a vet discount program (called Pet Assure [www.petassure.com?src=bm]); not sure if they have anything like that in the UK.