A pet cat in Wales was deliberately run over by a car, according to its family, who have now launched an online appeal to raise money for veterinary treatment.

The animal, called Buddy, suffered broken bones in both sides of its jaw, a dislocated skull, and damage to its chest and lungs.

Harvey, Buddy’s owner, said a car hit the cat and then drove away after seeing what it had done. The family took Buddy to Valley Vets, an emergency animal hospital operating around the clock. They were told their pet had sustained fractures to both jawbones, injuries to the chest and lungs, and a displaced skull. This is the extent of current knowledge because vets were unable to carry out an X-ray examination as it would have been fatal. Any donations will go towards veterinary bills and travel expenses should the cat need to be admitted to a critical care facility in Bristol.

Although Buddy has since been allowed home, the family is facing significant veterinary costs and the possibility of further specialist treatment at a critical care centre in Bristol.

They have set up a fundraising page to help cover expenses, including potential journeys to the specialist unit in Bristol.

Full details of the GoFundMe campaign can be found at www.gofundme.com/f/help-us-give-our-cat-buddy-the-best-care-possible.