An animal charity is searching for the owner of a young cat found so badly injured in a Dundee stairwell she had to have one of her legs amputated.
Ava, as she has been named by Scottish SPCA staff, was taken in after a resident discovered her huddled in the corner of a Strathmartine Road building last week.
Scottish SPCA officers took the seven-month-old cat to the vet but due to the extent of the injury her front right leg had to be amputated.
It is thought she could have been hit by a car.
She is now recuperating at the Scottish SPCA’s Angus, Fife and Tayside Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre just outside Dundee.
Despite her ordeal, Coreen Hill, senior animal care assistant at the centre, said it was not all bad for Ava as she is making a good recovery.
She said: “There was just no way to save the limb because there were quite a few breakages but she has been absolutely amazing.
“She is now hopping along quite happily on three legs and seems quite comfortable. Sometimes younger cats are able to adapt better because their muscles are still maturing but a lot of it is down to the individual animal.
“From the first day she came to us on Sunday she has been enjoying cuddles and purring away. By the beginning of this week she was beginning to get up and have a wander.”
Staff believe because of her affectionate nature, Ava probably belongs to someone, and they hope to be able to return her home to adjust to life on three paws.
Coreen added: “She is such a lovely cat there must be someone out there missing her. Hopefully the owner will come forward and they can be reunited.”
If her owner does not come forward to claim her the centre will look into finding her a new home once she is well enough to leave.
Anyone with information is being asked to call the Scottish SPCA Animal Helpline on 03000 999 999.