Blue the cat is still being treated for gunshot wounds. PHOTO/SUPPLIED
GIANINA SCHWANECKE
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Blue, the cat who was shot last Thursday, is doing well ahead of a planned surgery later this week but funds are still being sought to help staff at VetCare Masterton save his paw.
His owner Kim Denton, from Whareama, was horrified to find the two-year-old family pet had been shot in his left front paw.
She said she was “kicking herself” for not putting a collar on Blue and believed he had been the victim of mistaken identity.
“I am sure he was in the wrong place the wrong time. There has been a major influx of wild and dumped cats who go feral.
“You would be amazed at the colours [like domestic cats] and how solid [well-fed] some of the feral cats are out here.”
She said she understood many farms were attempting to eradicate predators but hoped that people carrying out pest control would give warning and not shoot near properties.
Blue was taken to VetCare Masterton where director and veterinarian Heidi Ward-MacGrath said he was “doing well, progressing as expected”.
She said while his shrapnel wounds were healing nicely, his left leg remained a challenge.
“It’s a bit green and rotten because of the type of bullet and the damage it caused.
“We’re managing with wound dressings, trying to clear the infection before we go ahead and put in the orthopaedic implants today.”
An appeal to the public for funds to cover the $1500 surgical costs had generated about $900 from 16 different donors.
Ward-McGrath hoped more would come through overnight from the weekend but said further funds would be needed to cover ongoing treatment costs.
The last cat with similar injuries remained at the centre for more than 20 weeks.
She remained optimistic about Blue’s recovery.
“He’s a great cat.”
Denton said she was amazed by the community’s response and grateful to all the people who had donated.
Donations can be made to:
Account name: Vetcare,
Account number: 060689 0191117 00
Reference: Blue Shot Cat
