Destiny might have used one of her nine lives, but thankfully she lived to tell the tale.

The adult black and white cat was found soaking wet and lying in the gutter in Thornbury by a kind samaritan, who took her to Bradford and District’s RSPCA.

Sadly, the extent of her injuries – believed to have been caused by her being struck by a vehicle – meant Destiny had to lose one of her front legs. She was also suffering from hypothermia, shock and trauma when she was found.

But thanks to the expertise of veterinary staff at the clinic within the Mount Street branch, Destiny is now recovering, with support from veterinary nurses Joanne Purdy and Adele Welsh, and will soon be seeking a good home.

“It was very distressing for all the staff, but the vets remarkably managed to save her. She is a gem,” said branch manager, Terry Singh.

The branch has started a £10,000 appeal to buy a scanner enabling vets to assess what is wrong with poorly pets without invasive surgery.

Terry said: “We want to have the right sort of equipment to help these poor defenceless animals.”

For information about the appeal, call (01274) 723063.