A cat injured in a hit-and-run in Dunedin is getting free care while SPCA Otago tries to track down its owner.
SPCA Otago executive officer Sophie McSkimming said a car failed to stop after hitting the short-haired tabby cat in Brighton on July 17.
The incident was seen by a member of the public, who took the badly injured cat to South Dunedin veterinary clinic Humanimals.
The female cat suffered head trauma, paralysis of its front leg and a fractured jaw.
If the nerve damage in her leg did not heal, it would need to be amputated.
Humanimals owner and veterinarian Alistair Newbould gave the life-saving treatment free of charge.
The cost of treatment would be about $2500, if the leg had to be amputated.
Humanimals practice manager Marie Hennessy said Dr Newbould decided to give the free care because the cat was "so nice'' and was obviously a pet.
"We wanted to give her a chance to recover so somebody could come forward.''
Ms McSkimming said SPCA Otago was investigating the options for the cat's long-term care.
"SPCA Otago simply couldn't have afforded to pay for the full treatment of such a badly injured cat, so it is amazing that Humanimals vets have offered to do the surgery for free.''
If the owner did not come forward, the cat would be available for adoption after its recovery.
