On Monday, 25th May, my cat Salem didn’t come home for his dinner, which was completely out of character for him. I spent hours searching around our local area, calling his name and looking everywhere I could think of. After searching until after midnight with no sign of him, I barely slept.

At around 4am, I got up to make a coffee and looked out into the garden. That’s when I saw Salem huddled against the fence, just staring at me. He didn’t run over like he normally would. He didn’t meow. Instead of feeling relief, I instantly knew something was terribly wrong.

I carried him into the house because he couldn’t walk. He just lay there.

I managed to get an emergency appointment through the PDSA, where Salem was examined and kept in for treatment. We were told that he had most likely been hit by a vehicle at speed. His pelvis was fractured and dislocated, and his back paws had been dragged along the ground, causing cuts and severe damage to his claws, which had been worn down to the level of his toes (digits).

The vets asked us to prepare ourselves for saying goodbye.

Salem is only three years old and is so much more than a pet. He is a huge part of our family. I have three children, another cat who missed him, and a home full of people who absolutely adore him. He’s my furry son, one of my furry weans, and I wasn’t ready to lose him.

We asked if there were any other options. The PDSA referred us to a specialist animal hospital. Initially, we were told surgery could cost around £2,000, but when we attended our appointment, the estimate was between £4,000 and £6,000. Despite the shock, the specialists were confident they could save Salem’s life.

I couldn’t give up on him.

I’ve borrowed money to make sure Salem got the surgery he needed because i didn’t have access to that kind of money myself. Every donation, no matter how small, will go directly towards Salem’s treatment, surgery, recovery, and giving him the chance to live the life he deserves.

Animals aren’t just pets in our household. They’re family. They’re loved, cherished, and part of our everyday lives.

If you’re able to help, please know that your kindness is helping to save a life. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for any support you can give. My family and I will be forever grateful.

Salem’s mum ❤️