Rainworth vets praised after care helps cat survive freak accident

A Mansfield Woodhouse cat lost one of his nine lives but survived a freak accident when part of a solid stone bird bath fell on him.
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Diesel – known by children in his Woodland Road neighbourhood as ‘BatCat’ for wearing a Batman bandana – was discovered limp, close to death beneath part of a solid stone bird bath which had fallen on him.

His owner Caz Baker was alerted to the 12-year-old cat’s plight on Saturday morning when a neighbour discovered his cold, lifeless body.

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Caz said: “On Saturday morning, at 7.30am, we were woken by loud knocking.

Diesel is now recovering back at homeDiesel is now recovering back at home
Diesel is now recovering back at home

“Our neighbour Michael was distraught, he could hardly speak and he said there’s been a terrible accident, it’s your cat Diesel.

“Michael had been washing the pots and noticed the top bit had fallen off the bird bath. He went to pick it up and got the shock of his life finding Diesel’s lifeless, body underneath.” she said.

“He must have been there all night. I was in tears thinking I had lost my beautiful boy to a freak accident.”

Caz rushed Diesel to McPhersons vets in Rainworth.

A bird bath similar to the one which fell on DieselA bird bath similar to the one which fell on Diesel
A bird bath similar to the one which fell on Diesel
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“They said it was not looking good. We left not knowing his fate. I got updates but he was not responding to treatment, his body would not warm up and it was likely he was brain dead,” she said.

Caz was faced with the possibility he might have to be put to sleep. Instead, vet Kirsty Reid offered to take him home to monitor him over the weekend.

“I could’t believe it, we got a call to say Diesel’s heart rate was up from 80 to 122 and his temperature was near normal, news I never thought I’d hear,” said Caz.

“It was down to the amazing care and dedication from Kirsty, she went above and beyond the call of duty, and the courage and fighting spirit from Diesel. He is still poorly, we are not sure if the head injury is permanent or how much he can see. I am feeding him via a syringe.

“He’s lost one of his nine lives, but he’s a very lucky boy, thanks to McPhersons. I can’t thank them enough, especially Kirsty.”