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This hypothermic cat collapsed on a highway, froze to the ground and was struck by a car—and survived

'Despite her injuries she is very curious about her surroundings and loves to interact with the people who are caring for her'
BC SPCA hypothermic cat hit by car
The BC SPCA is hosting a naming competition for this lucky kitty, who was rescued after being struck by a vehicle in northern B.C.

If cats have nine lives, this one surely must have used up a few of them after finding herself stranded in the B.C. cold recently. 

According to the BC SPCA, the cat initially collapsed in the middle of a highway near Montney, in northern B.C.

“We believe this poor cat was wandering and probably succumbed to hypothermia,” said Candace Buchamer, manager of the North Peace SPCA in Fort St. John, in a release issued Dec. 31.

Buchamer said a semi-truck driver was travelling along the icy roadway when he noticed "a dark spot" on the highway. "He watched in dismay as an oncoming vehicle drove right over it without slowing," explained Buchamer. 

After witnessing the incident, the Good Samaritan pulled over, realizing the dark bump he had spotted was a cat—a cat who was "miraculously" clinging to life after being directly run over by the vehicle. 

“When he went to lift her from the road he realized that she was frozen to the ground,” said Buchamer.

The truck driver rushed the animal to the closest veterinary clinic, who then contacted the SPCA, according to the release. 

Veterinarians treated the cat for hypothermia, following which she gradually became "bright and alert."  Upon further assessment, veterinarians discovered the cat was suffering from a "severely fractured" leg below the knee joint, as well as skin wounds from road rash, both of which will require treatment. 

The BC SPCA is now seeking donations to help fund the cat's care and surgery, which the animal rescue organization estimates will cost approximately $2,500. 

The organization also said it plans to host an online contest to determine the cat's name. 

“She is such a sweet, friendly kitty. Despite her injuries she is very curious about her surroundings and loves to interact with the people who are caring for her," said Buchamer, adding that the animal "must have had an angel watching over her to survive," not only hypothermia, but being crushed by a vehicle too. 

“We are so grateful to the truck driver who stopped to help her, and we hope animal lovers will help us give her the happy ending and new, safe home she deserves.”