(Dear supporters, please read the (sad) update. I think this story appears before the update, and we want people to see the update. Thank you.)

I am a longtime community cat volunteer, focused on trap/spay-neuter of homeless, stray and feral cats.

A kind Oakland resident named Paola reached out via Next Door Neighbor app to seek help for this cat, calling Speedy for now. Paola knew this to be one of many outside cats in her neighborhood. She learned approximately three weeks ago, that Speedy had been hit by a car, possibly intentionally, according to witnesses. His eye was popping out of his head. He was thin and started hiding a lot. He seemed to have some trouble chewing.

Paola knew he would have to be caught via a humane trap, and taken to a Vet for medical care asap. I was able to trap him fairly quickly when he appeared yesterday morning, eating out of a garbage can.

The Vet Clinics are fairly booked up, but we can get him in Monday to the non profit Vets In Vans, www.vetsinvans.org, on an urgent care basis.

Beyond his eye removal, Speedy will need a complete check-up, and of course neuter, and possibly other medical. The initial emergency need for the enucleation is the priority of course.

Speedy may be a tame cat underneath, or semi-tame. It is too early to tell. Whatever the case, he will be cared for, and an appropriate home found, after he recovers from his medical procedures. He is eating fine, and seems very calm. He seems to have a sweet disposition, and doesn't seem all that bothered by his situation. A real trooper. He is safe and warm now, and receiving mild pain meds and antibiotics in his food.

We don't know how much his medical costs will total, but anticipate it will be at least $1500.00 Thank you to all who can donate to help Speedy. Hungry Kitty, an Oakland 501 C3, is handling Speedy's case. Hungry kitty was started by Pat Smyklo, who passed away two years ago. I am one of the four board members, and have been active with this org since it's inception. continuing the mission to help homeless and other cats.

Go Speedy! He has great energy and the will to live.