WARNING GRAPHIC CONTENT: Horrific scenes of Skittles the ginger tomcat impaled on railings propelled him to international fame. His remarkable escape from certain death has now seen him nominated for the title of PDSA Pet Survivor of the Year.
Shocking images showing metal railings protruding through Skittles’ body as he was being rescued by the London Fire Brigade went viral, with few believing he could survive such a disastrous accident.
Eight months on and Skittles’ remarkable recovery has seen him join two other cats – Dexter and Maximus – as well as Brandy the dog on the shortlist for this year’s prestigious title of miracle pet.
To this day, Skittles’ owner Shanakei Forde still cannot fathom how he was not killed when he became impaled on metal railings near her home in north west London.
Ms Forde said: “When I saw the pictures I couldn’t believe my eyes that it was him.
“It was so shocking. It’s a miracle that he survived, and was still alert even with those poles stuck through him.
“He’s made such an incredible recovery you wouldn’t know anything had happened to him now. I’m stoked he’s now in with a chance of winning Pet Survivor.”
Firefighters had to move Skittles with the railings still poking through his body before vets could carry out precision surgery. Somehow the three poles had missed his vital organs.
There was still need for two further operations, provided at Hendon PDSA Pet Hospital, but within weeks Skittles was out exploring again and his latest photograph gives no clue to his death-defying antics.
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RSPCA Deputy Chief Inspector Nicole Broster, who was one of the first on the scene, said: “In all my years with the RSPCA I had never seen anything like this.
"I was amazed that this lovely, affectionate cat was still alive, but I knew I had to get him urgent help to give him the best chance of survival.
“We’re delighted that’s he’s now reached the finals of the PDSA Pet Survivor Awards. This is testament to all the people involved in his rescue and recovery, from that first member of the public, the emergency services, all the vets and nurses who have provided treatment, and of course his loving family.
"He was so brave throughout, I think he deserves to win.”
This year’s competition was open to any pet treated for a life-saving illness or injury by a vet between January 1, 2017, and August 31, 2018.
PDSA Senior Vet Sean Wensley, who judged the initial round of entries before the shortlist of four pets was compiled, said: “The tragic and painful circumstances endured by these pets, along with the devotion shown by their owners, makes them all worthy contenders for the PDSA Pet Survivor title.”
To vote for Skittles, see: https://www.pdsa. org.uk/get-involved/our- campaigns/pet-survivor/2018- finalists/skittles
Voting is open until November 30. Only one vote per person.
The winner will be announced before Christmas and will win a luxury pet hamper and a trophy.
PDSA Pet Survivor Awards 2018 are supported by Animal PoisonLine, a 24-hour advice line for owners who are concerned that their pets have come into contact with something potentially poisonous. It is run by the UK's only animal poison centre and is a triage service which only directs owners to their vets if treatment is needed. More information is available at www.animalpoisonline.co.uk