‘Sweet cat’ barely survived North Vancouver hit-and-run: B.C. SPCA

Magnus, a cat rescued after being hit by a truck is shown in this photo from the BC SPCA.

A tabby cat named Magnus – the victim of a hit-and-run in North Vancouver – is only alive because of the swift actions of a Good Samaritan, according to the BC SPCA.

The organization shared details about the rescue online Wednesday, saying it happened recently on West Keith Road.

“The witness watched a truck speed down the road and saw Magnus get hit. She could hear him crying out in pain,” said Sarah Henderson, animal care manager for BC SPCA West Vancouver. “The truck did not stop.”

The woman told the SPCA that the cat was bleeding profusely and dragged himself to safety under a nearby car. The concerned bystander began knocking on doors to see if she could find the cat’s owner. Although she didn’t find anyone who claimed the cat, her efforts did end up recruiting more people to help save Magnus, the SPCA said.

The woman who led the rescue effort took the seriously injured animal to an emergency vet, which then contacted the SPCA to see if the charity would cover the cost of the cat’s care, according to the post on the website.

“The staff at the animal hospital informed us Magnus was in such rough shape, he would not have survived the night if the witness and her neighbours had not intervened,” Henderson said. “This is a sweet cat who experienced a traumatic injury,” she added.

The organization was able to find Magus’ owner, who surrendered the cat to its care.

The cat underwent surgery for a crushed tibia, and was treated for a host of other issues including hypothermia, dehydration and blood loss. Now recovering with a foster family, the “very friendly boy” will be available for adoption in about a week, according to the SPCA.