What happens to (unclaimed) injured cats after they’ve been seen by vet?

[ServeTheServants]

Sorry for long title!

Earlier today I found a cat in the middle of a very busy 50mph road having been hit by a car. I pulled over and was beyond thrilled to notice it was still breathing. We immediately took it to the nearest vet where they are hopefully going to operate.

If the cat is not microchipped and / or does not get claimed, what will happen to it? I’d love to give it a home in that instance, but I doubt it’ll be that straightforward 😢

They usually pass them on to a cat rehoming organisation, or sometimes they have a list of clients who are willing to take an animal on, or sometimes they go home with a member of staff or sometimes the finder takes them on! Let them know you'd love to remove the cat.

Rehome not remove!

You’re so kind to do that and not drive over him. Ring them later and see if he made it.

Realistically if an organisation such as Blue Cross or Rspca isn't involved and no owner comes forwards then the cat is euthanised. There are lots of centres bursting at the seams and funding is dwindling to take in expensive cases. If you're interested in homing the cat if there's no owner then you need to contact the vet or relevant organisation. He sounds a lucky cat to have been found by you.

Former vet receptionist here. Our vet nurses had good links with local rescues so would usually find a rescue place once any strays were patched up. A decent proportion went home with staff too most vets I've known have had a tripod cat...
Ultimately it does depend on the injuries, and how well the cat tolerates treatment and handling. Something like a fractured pelvis, which often affects continence, for example - an owner might be willing to try weeks of cage rest in the hope of the cat regaining bowel and bladder function. For a stray with serious injuries, it may not be the kinder thing to put them through treatment when there isn't a good chance of recovery, especially if they are terrified of humans.
If you are interested in adopting, definitely let the vets know.

Usually rehome - so if you're interested let them know.

However if you want the cat it would be nice to cover the bill so the vet isn't out of pocket

A cat started spending a lot of time in our garden about five years ago. Seemed desperate for human contact but was riddled with fleas. My husband made a shelter for him in the garden and fed him there. we contacted the RSPCA with a view to taking the cat on if no owner could be traced.

RSPCA came to collect him, we asked to be the de facto 'owners' and were told that would be great. However, after a few days we had a call and this poor cat wasn't doing well. He had bad teeth that we knew about (I mushed his food for him) but he was in the latter stages of kidney failure and they said they had no choice but to euthanise him. RSPCA were really kind about it and explained that if there had been any other way (we'd already offered to pay any bills for him), they would have been delighted to bring him back to us.

I know the RSPCA gets a slating quite often but, I saw all the notices that they'd put up trying to trace the owners - and they took them all down afterwards. They also kept us informed throughout.

RIP Jones-the-Cat... he was lovely. :(

Thanks so much, everyone. I spoke to the vet this morning to see how the little chap was doing. Thankfully s/he is doing very well, despite sustaining a nasty neck injury. The op is today.

They said I could phone back on Friday, and if no one has claimed it, we could hopefully take it on. It’s definitely not microchipped. I’ve asked to join the local FB page for the village in which I found it, so I’m hopeful that the best case would be that I can locate its owner.

Thanks again, everyone.

Good news. Is a tiny bit if you hoping your the new owner?.

@ServeTheServants That was lovely of you to take it to the vet.

This might sound bad but be aware you may have a very large vet bill if you re-home it. Do you have any idea of the costs incurred so far? They may well be high hundreds or maybe even four figures if an op is involved.

Any update OP? How is he/she doing?

I was going to mention also if they rehome the cat directly to you it might come with the surgery and boarding bill which will be substantial.

I've worked at fifteen vet practices and they all tend to pay for minor surgeries themselves (stitch ups and stuff) or if it's extensive they ask the RSPCA to pay (as they are loaded). The RS give a voucher for the cost usually and stuff gets done. The Cats Protection League will often then come and take them to recuperate and find a home. Most practices have an army of ladies with traps and heated sheds and a deep love for cats that gets mobilised in these situations!