Lovey upon rescue with one of her kittens in the background.

This week Regina Cat Rescue volunteers rescued a cat severely injured by a harness. Lovey, as she’s been named by her foster family, now faces the potential loss of her leg.

We can’t know how it happened, but what's clear is that someone put a harness on Lovey and never took it off. As she grew, the harness cut into her skin, muscles and tendons. You can view images of her injuries here, here, here and here. Note - these images are graphic.

Lovey was rescued by accident. A report came in about two young kittens living alone on the streets. Volunteers caught the first kitten easily and she was taken into foster care, but a trap was needed for the second kitten. The next day volunteers trapped the second kitten but were surprised to find an adult cat in the trap too.

It wasn't clear if there was a connection between Lovey and the kittens, but it was obvious something was very wrong. So the duo was rushed straight to the vet still in the trap.

Lovey at the vet before the harness was removed.

At the clinic, we discovered Lovey was lactating and that she was the mother of our two stray kittens. It broke our hearts to know that she gave birth and nursed her kittens in this horrible condition. But we found some comfort in reuniting the family and knowing they would be safe and loved indoors.

We don't know what Lovey's future holds. The harness was removed while she was under general anesthesia. Now she's on pain medication and antibiotics. But there's a chance her front leg may need to be amputated.

In light of Lovey’s situation, we wanted to share some safety tips to help keep your cats safe.

The number one way to keep your cat safe and healthy is to keep him or her indoors.
Make sure your cat has a tattoo and/or microchip. And that your contact information linked to the tattoo or microchip is up to date.
Feel like your cat needs outdoor enrichment? Build a secure catio. Or consider "catifying" your indoor space.
If you’re set on taking your cat out for walk on leash, there are many things to consider:
- Take the harness or collar off after every use.
- Consider a padded style harness that can’t easily dig into the skin.
- Use a step-in harness that doesn't go around the neck.
- Get your cat comfortable in the harness indoors before venturing outdoors. This may take weeks.
- Never tie your cat up in the yard on their own. Supervise them at all times.

You can help Lovey — and other cats in need — by donating to RCR by e-transfer, PayPal, cash or cheque. Tax receipts are issued for donations of $10 or more.