A CAT left paralysed in a road accident in Dubai has been flown across the world to a rescue centre in Bradford.

Manisha was found at a roadside by someone who contacted Bradford Cat Watch Rescue, which treats cats with injuries and disabilities. Following a 30-hour ‘plane journey, the young cat is now being cared for at the centre, off Bolton Road.

“Some ladies who follow us on Facebook got in touch and my first thought was we have enough cats here to look after,” said Katie Lloyd, founder of Bradford Cat Watch Rescue. “I’m generally of the opinion that there are already plenty of cats in the UK that need rescuing, but when I heard Manisha’s story, and how stray cats are treated over there, we made the huge decision to have her brought over.

“She arrived late Friday evening and once she'd shuffled out of her cage it was like she'd always been here.”

Manisha, who is about eight-months-old, has a broken spine and is paralysed in her back legs. She was flown to the UK by Sandy Paws, a member of the International Pet and Animal Transportation network. Bradford Cat Watch funded the £550 flight.

“Manisha was hit by a car and left for dead,” said Katie. “She wears a body suit so she doesn’t get sore, as she only gets around by shuffling on her torso. She wears kitty nappies and we have to help her go to the toilet. She can use her front legs, she moves quite quickly. She's a lovely cat. When I saw her little face, and soulful eyes, I knew we had to take her.

“She'll need several operations and her rehabilitation will take years, but we hope she can eventually be re-homed."

Katie said that in Dubai, cats like Manisha are left to die: "There are no rescue centres and it's illegal to rescue or even feed a stray or injured cat. People have to do it secretly, and rescuers in the United Arab Emirates rely on volunteers in the UK and Europe to raise money to help pay for vet bills.

"Street cats are seen as vermin and dealt with by pest control or deposited in desert areas with no food or water. Without a rescue involved, Manisha would not be around long. Her rescuers risked a lot to give her basic care. They're delighted that she can build a life 'surrounded with love' here at BCW."

Katie, a former paediatric nurse, founded Bradford Cat Watch Rescue 15 years ago. The charity takes in homeless, unwanted, sick and injured cats; providing medical care and re-homing. Based at Katie's home, the centre has been specially adapted and relies on donations and volunteers.

* To find out more or make a donation visit bcwr-kittens.co.uk or email katiebcwr@gmail.com or call Katie on 07942 822509.