A RESCUE cat is back on all four paws following specialist surgery to treat a rare double kneecap dislocation.

Star, a tabby cat thought to be 10 years old, needed intricate surgery on both her knees at Kentdale Referrals in Milnthorpe to prevent her kneecaps repeatedly ‘popping out’ of their grooves.

Grateful owner Stephanie Bamber, from Preston, who is business relationship manager at Linnaeus-owned Kentdale, is urging cat owners to have their pets checked for any knee issues if they show signs of discomfort when walking.

Stephanie said: “Cats can hide pain very well, even for a number of years, and could be suffering with a dislocated kneecap without showing more obvious signs of discomfort.

“I first realised something was very wrong with Star when she lay down in her basket and wouldn’t put her leg down. She was clearly in great pain.

“I would urge fellow cat owners to seek veterinary advice for their pet, even if they simply flinch when putting weight down on their legs, as they could be hiding something serious and painful.

“While Star is a house cat, having fully functioning limbs is especially important for outdoor cats who quickly need to escape any signs of danger, such as a car approaching them.

“She’s looking forward to playing again with her cat sister and dog brother, proving that cats and dogs can happily get along together!”

The operation to repair Star’s knees was successfully performed by Graham Hayes, RCVS specialist in small animal surgery at Kentdale, which is accredited by the International Society of Feline Medicine (ISFM) as a cat-friendly clinic.

Toby Gemmill, specialist in Small Animal Surgery and managing director at Kentdale Referrals, said: “I would echo Stephanie’s advice to cat owners if they see any lameness in their pet. A veterinary investigation will allow identification of any underlying issues and the most appropriate treatment to be given, be that medication, physiotherapy, or an operation.”