Kingsley, a resilient stray cat, is thriving after trauma

Cat came to RAPS after being struck by car. Is healing nicely and will be looking for a forever home – but his story is a reminder of the dangers to free-roaming cats.

Kingsley is a British Shorthair cat who came to RAPS thanks to Good Samaritans who saw him limping into their yard.

He had almost certainly been hit by a car, so the people brought him to the RAPS Animal Hospital.

Animals that are found as strays in Richmond are generally to be taken to the City of Richmond Animal Shelter but since this cat had medical needs and was brought to the RAPS Animal Hospital, he was treated and remains in our care. RAPS staff notified the SPCA, which runs the city shelter, and sent a description and photos in case someone turned up looking for him. No one did. Kingsley arrived with no ID (no tattoo or microchip), no collar and he was unneutered.

“He’s like a little baby,” says Shena Novotny, manager of the RAPS Cat Sanctuary. “He’s so lovely, very sweet. He’s also very chatty. He loves to talk.”

Kingsley had successive X-rays and Dr. Guy Arad, orthopedic surgeon at RAPS Animal Hospital, determined that his pelvis was broken in a couple of places and he had a tail fracture. With a cat who is still young – Kingsley is about a year-and-a-half old – it was decided to see if he can function well and without pain because surgery would be extremely invasive.

Since Kingsley is still very young, it was recommended that we wait until he is fully grown to do the surgery. His growth plates are not yet fully formed and, while they are growing and shifting, it’s not recommended to put in something permanent, like pins and plates, that will interfere with the growth. There is a chance that Kingsley may need surgery in the future but only time will tell. In the meantime, he is happy and pain free and will be looking for foster-to-adopt home soon.

So far, Kingsley is doing incredibly well and is healing on bed rest with strict instructions to avoid running and jumping. After a couple more weeks, he should be ready to go to a loving forever home. Potential adopters will be thoroughly briefed on Kingsley’s medical history and will be required to closely monitor any signs of pelvic pain, as well as bowel and urinary functions.

He has been neutered and is going to be an ideal addition to a wonderful home.

“Kingsley is very lucky and it is looking like he will heal up with no major complications,” says Shena. “But this is an example of why cats should not be permitted to wander freely outdoors.

Surviving being struck by a vehicle is almost a miracle, so it is extremely fortunate that Kingsley has lived to be healthy and happy. But vehicles are not the only threat to free-roaming cats. Predators like coyotes and raccoons are a grave danger, as are transmissible diseases, infections and other threats cats can obtain from interacting or fighting with other animals.”