A THERAPY cat who was kicked so hard that he sustained life threatening injuries is slowly getting stronger.

More than £1,000 has been raised by generous supporters to help pay for Burtie's vet bills. The grey and white cat, who is 14 months old, returned home 'really poorly' earlier this month.

He was rushed to the vets, who discovered his urethra had been ruptured. 

Kell, of Abergele, said: "He has been fighting for his life. He was kicked that hard his little urethra had been ruptured and he had a catheter. He was black with bruising.

Rhyl Journal:

Cruel - Burtie suffered severe injuries

"Whoever did this is very cruel."

Burtie has played a vital roll in the rehabilitation of Kell, who has suffered with Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) since witnessing a distressing road accident.

Friend Patricia Herndlhofer, who has been supporting Kell since Burtie's brutal incident, said: "We are feeling hopeful and optimistic.

Rhyl Journal:

Slow progress in being made. Picture: Patricia Herndlhofer

"Although Burtie is not yet healed and has a way to go yet, today he is eating, drinking, pooping, standing and interacting. Even his little meow is stronger."

Kell has issued a thank you to everyone for their kind words, thoughts, prayers and donations.

"We never could have imagined the generosity of complete strangers," Patricia added.

Rhyl Journal:

Burtie's urethra had been ruptured

Burtie was wearing his Finding Nemo collar at the time of the incident.

Kell said: "Whoever did this knew he was a pet and not a stray.

"The vet assured us he has not been run over - it is definitely a kick."

RSPCA Cymru have been approached for comment.

To donate, visit www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/patricia-herndlhoferwithkell-roberts