VETS in Kingsteignton are on a mission to drum up as much cash as possible to help save a severely injured cat.

A stray moggy was taken into the town’s veterinary group after being found with barbed wire deeply embedded in his stomach.

Despite the team’s best efforts to track down an owner, nobody came forward and the vets were left with two options – put him to sleep or save him.

But experts felt the poor wounded cat should be saved and put him through two hours of complicated surgery.

A spokesman for the vets said: ‘Due to the nature and severity of his wounds, he will inevitably require more surgery.

‘He is such a friendly cat, despite everything he has been through and continues to give us all so much love and affection.’

Vets and nurses gave up their free time and expertise to help give the cat a fighting chance but the operation and medication are expensive.

Since the operation, vets have managed to track down its owners through the power of social media and the press.

Practice manager Deana Schneidau said: ‘With all the media attention we have received, the cat’s mummy and daddy have come and found him.

‘When the owners walked into the vets to see him you could see that the cat recognised them.

‘He was up on his feet and meowing.’

Ms Schneidau revealed several people had come forward thinking the injured pet was theirs.

Dedicated vets and nurses at the vets have launched an online fundraising page to make the vulnerable cat ‘purrfect again’.

Some 55 generous people have backed the vet’s efforts and pledged £772 towards the £800 target.

Ms Schneidau added: ‘We have been so overwhelmed with the generosity of complete strangers.

‘It really brings a tear to your eye to see just how kind some people are.’

Donations to help the cat get back on his four paws can be made by searching Kingsteignton Veterinary Group on www.justgiving.com.