‘Scared and timid’ kitten left with painful leg fracture after owner’s violent outburst finds loving forever home thanks to Chesterfield RSPCA branch

Eight-month-old Evie has been left with a painful leg fracture after she was injured by her previous owner during a violent outburst.

Her former owner admitted hitting Evie and said she fell down during the incident, leaving her injured – but he refused to seek veterinary treatment for some time, leaving the eight-month-old kitten in pain.

On meeting Evie for the first time, RSPCA Inspector Kim Greaves said: “She was very very timid, scared and anxious.

“Most animals in situations like these are scared - but I think the trauma that she had gone through had compounded her nervous disposition and she didn’t know who to trust.

“I really felt for her and we all just wanted to let her know that she was in a safe place and she would be looked after."

Following her rescue, Evie underwent surgery for a fractured femur and thankfully, she made a full recovery.

She was then transferred to RSPCA Chesterfield and North Derbyshire Branch to begin her recovery.

Supported by Chesterfield RSPCA staff, she quickly started building her confidence and underwent a complete transformation.

Inspector Greaves said: “When I went to take some after pictures of Evie the staff at Chesterfield were saying how lovely, pleasant and outgoing she was - and that was in complete contrast to how scared and timid she was when I found her at the house.

“She obviously felt safe and knew she was in safe hands now.

"She is just a cracking little cat, and I’m so pleased that her treatment went well along with the operation.”

Animal Care Assistant Richard Grainger has fond memories of caring for Evie where she was given plenty of rest and all the care and treatment she needed.

He said: “With Evie’s injury you would expect some sort of trepidation or fear of some sort, about being handled or being around people - as these would be natural responses - but she didn’t show one bit of it.

“Without question she is one of the sweetest cats I have ever met.

"I have been here for 13 years and I have met hundreds of cats, but she is right up there.

“Given what she had been through and how she presented in our care was just miraculous.”

Her ‘cracking’ personality meant that Evie did not have to stay at the Chesterfield RSPCA centre for too long – and she has found a home with Victoria Winstone, who had been considering adopting a second cat when she saw Evie on the branch’s website.

Victoria said: “She looked so cute and I felt she would be the perfect addition to our little family.

“I did hesitate for a couple of weeks to make sure I was making the right decision, but I kept looking on the website and saw she still hadn't been rehomed - I knew I wanted to go and see her.

“It is quite incredible how loving and trusting she is. She is just brilliant.

"I kept her inside for a while for her to get used to her surroundings but since letting her out so just absolutely loves it.

"She is so full of life and is so smart. She really has kitten energy even though she is two now.

“When there are so many animals that need a good home - I wish that everyone would consider adopting a pet. It is so rewarding to see them thrive and to know that they now have a good life.

“Adopting Evie and my other cat Lillie (pictured together) has enhanced my life so much - I would encourage everyone to choose to adopt if they are getting a cat.

"The adoption process is really simple and you know that they have been health-checked, come spayed, flea'd and wormed. There is also ongoing support from the RSPCA if needed.”

Evie’s previous owner caused unnecessary suffering to her by one or a combination of: causing injury to a cat which sustained a fractured femur and/or by failing to provide veterinary treatment in respect of that injury.

The owner was disqualified from keeping animals for 10 years and given a 16-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months.

The RSPCA has shared Evie’s story story as part of its Cruelty Hurts Love Rescues campaign launched after shocking new figures released by the animal welfare charity revealed a massive 64% increase in summer cruelty to animals over the last five years.

In June, July and August last year the RSPCA took 6,322 cruelty call to their emergency line – compared to 3,852 calls in 2021.

This means that last summer, on average, the RSPCA received one cruelty call every 10 minutes.

You can find out more about Cruelty Hurts Love Rescues campaign and ways to support the RSPCA with their life-saving work on the campaign website.