Kitten hurt in Abbotsford prompts BC SPCA reminder

The BC SPCA is reminding people to check their car engines, tires, and hoods for stray animals that may be trying to stay warm.

This comes after the organization says a kitten, named Fergus, was found on the side of a road in Abbotsford with serious injuries.

The six-month-old brown tabby was spotted by three people who were passing by and stopped to find that the cat had suffered injuries to its leg and lost all the skin and fur from its tail, with only “tissue and bone” remaining.

The cause of the injuries isn’t known for sure, but the SPCA says a vet determined Fergus may have been hurt while “hiding or keeping warm in a car engine and coming into contact with the fan belt while the engine was running.”

“The first person who saw Fergus and stopped to care for him called us describing his injuries, so we immediately booked an appointment with a vet,” said Sarah Ringer-Vennard, manager of the BC SPCA’s Abbotsford centre.

“A couple also stopped to help and offered to rush Fergus to the vet.”

Upon closer inspection, the BC SPCA says the vet determined Fergus’ femur had been “severely fractured.” While the vet was able to treat the injury, Fergus’ tail had to be amputated.

Fergus has since been transferred to a volunteer foster to heal from his surgery.

The organization issued a reminder just last week for people to take extra care before starting their cars, as colder weather sets in.

Before you hop in your vehicle, the SPCA recommends tapping or lightly thumping on the hood and checking underneath for any cats or other animals that may be hiding or seeking warmth.

Honking your horn and waiting a few moments to see if there is any movement is also a good idea before driving off, the SPCA adds.