Sussex charity launches fundraiser for 'gentle and resilient' stray cat hit by car

Three-year-old Elvis, described by rescuers as ‘gentle and resilient despite his ordeal’, was discovered after being struck by a vehicle and left with a dislocated femur.

With no registered owner and no one to cover his veterinary costs, his future now depends entirely on charitable support, according to People’s Animal Welfare Society (PAW Society) which was founded in Sussex in 2021.

Following emergency assessment and specialist consultation, the rescue team faced a difficult decision: amputate the leg or attempt complex orthopaedic surgery to save it.

PAW Society trustee Hannah Carter said: “Amputation would have been the cheaper and faster option but this is a young cat with so much life ahead of him.

"Saving the leg gives him the best chance of long-term mobility, comfort and quality of life. We couldn’t ignore that, even knowing the financial impact.”

The planned surgery and aftercare are currently estimated to exceed £3,000, covering specialist orthopaedic work, imaging, hospitalisation, medication, and rehabilitation, according to PAW Society.

“This is exactly why rescue exists - to stand in the gap when an animal has no one else,” Ms Carter added.

“He didn’t choose to be a stray, and he didn’t choose to be injured. We’re choosing to fight for the outcome that gives him the strongest, happiest future but we cannot do it without public support.”

Elvis is receiving treatment at Harbour Veterinary Clinic, Portsmouth, and will be fostered in Portslade, East Sussex, once well enough to begin looking for a new home.

PAW Society is appealing for ‘donations of any size’ to help fund the operation and recovery period.

To donate, visit: https://gofund.me/283297769.

For more information about PAW Society, visit: www.pawsocietyuk.org.

Updates on Elvis’s condition and recovery will be shared on the charity’s social media pages as treatment progresses.