A BLACK cat which was hit by a car and almost severed its own tail is looking for its owner or someone to love and look after him.

The cat, named 'Bernard' has now become a Forest Manx after vets removed his tail. He is also very lucky to have retained his nine lives according to Severnside vet, Edward De Beukelaer.

"He struggled into a garden at Buckshaft the Thursday before last (September 29) and was noticeably in pain. They didn't have transport so called the RSPCA, who didn't have any transport either. As the only practice on call we went out to pick him up.

"We knew he had a tail fracture and a suspected hip fracture. It was impossible to save the tail because what happens is if a cat is hit by a car and the tail is caught, the cat tries to run away and literally tears its tail. It was still attached by a piece of skin but the nerves are gone.

"In these cases the bladder and bowels are often damaged, so Bernard is actually a lucky cat."

After surgery carried out by James Gibb, 'Bernard' is recovering well and the hunt is now on to find him either a home or his previous owner.

"He's a black male with a white star on his throat and a white star beneath his legs," says vet Lisa Baker. "Loves cuddles and is very friendly."

•Get in touch with Severnside Vets on 01594 842185. There will be no charge for the surgery.