A kitten has used up one of her nine lives but lost her tail after sustaining horrific injuries in a road traffic accident.

Brave ten-month-old JJ managed to drag herself back home following the suspected collision. Her owner, Natalie Joyce, from Longsight, Manchester, was devastated by her poor kitten’s injuries.

She said: “I heard her meowing outside, but she didn’t seem to be able to climb through the window like she normally does. I went to let her in and she just collapsed on the floor, it was horrific.

“I knew she was in pain so I rushed her to PDSA.”

JJ was given pain-relief and x-rayed, which revealed her tail had detached from her spine. Fiona Buchan, vet at PDSA’s Manchester Pet Hospital, said: “JJ had a separation at her tail base causing severe damage to the nerves leading to her tail and bladder, which can be life-threatening.

“We had to allow time to see if she would regain function of her tail and bladder so she was kept on strong medication to keep her pain free and allowed to go home for strict bed rest. Natalie brought her in daily for us to check her progress.

"She was struggling to urinate and we knew if she didn’t regain bladder control there would be a build-up of toxins which could be fatal. It was very touch and go for a while and we needed to monitor her carefully to prevent her situation worsening.”

JJ’s bladder started to show signs of recovery, but unfortunately her tail was too badly damaged and had to be amputated to prevent further complications.

“Cats are very adaptable so no longer having a tail won’t affect her quality of life,” said Fiona.

“JJ is just one of the lucky pets to benefit from PDSA’s A&E service which has received generous funding from players of People’s Postcode Lottery. Thanks to their support we’re able to provide thousands of life-saving operations and care.”

PDSA is urging people to be aware of animals which could be hiding under vehicles for shelter or warmth at this time of year.

Fiona said: “The nature of JJ’s injury is consistent with her being hit by a vehicle. Cats like to hide under cars, especially in colder weather and they have also been known to get under car bonnets, so please check before you set off on a journey.”

Natalie, who has four young children, said the family were extremely grateful to PDSA for the care given to JJ.

She said: “PDSA have been amazing and we can’t thank them enough. The kids call JJ a magic cat because everyone thought she would have to be put to sleep but she’s still here. We’re so glad because she means everything to us.”

For further information about PDSA and free pet health advice visit www.pdsa.org.uk