BOOTS, the accident-prone moggie, is back on his feet after using up three of his nine lives during a series of cat-astrophes.
Over the past six years, the mischievous black and white stray has cheated death three times after twice bring run over by a car and escaping a burning building following an arson attack.
Even though he has been adopted by staff at Westway Veterinary Group’s surgery in Eden Hill in West Pelton, near Stanley in County Durham, Boots continues to lead a charmed life.
He was first brought into Westway in 2009 by the RSPCA after being found in a pitiful state when he suffered a broken pelvis after being hit by a car.
Thanks to the care and skill of Westway vets, he recovered from his injuries, but as no owner came forward, he was adopted by veterinary nurses and now lives permanently at the surgery on Twizell Lane.
In January this year, Boots had another lucky escape when the surgery was targeted by arsonists. Receptionist Helen Milburn, who raised the alarm, managed to rescue him before fire-fighters arrived to tackle the blaze that ripped through the operating theatre, causing £40,000 of damage.
And now Boots is in the wars again after being struck by a car near the surgery six weeks ago.
He is expected to make a full recovery after suffering a broken back leg, which was pinned together during a delicate two-hour operation.
The indestructible feline is such a popular character among clients who bring their pets in for treatment that he has received get well cards and presents during his recuperation following his latest scrape.
Westway director and senior vet Jason Atherton said: “Boots just keeps bouncing back from every setback.
“Not many veterinary practices have their own resident cat and he is well loved and looked after – but still manages to get himself into trouble!
“He wasn’t in great condition when he arrived at the surgery after his first accident, and the nurses all fell in love with him.
“He was the only animal in the building during the fire, but a member of staff who lives nearby managed to get him out. Six weeks ago, he went missing for two or three days and we were all worried, and it turned out he had been hit by a car.
“We’ve patched him up again and, although he is limping slightly, he is on the road to recovery.”
