A CAT who was found abandoned in a cardboard box and another who was discovered lying in a gutter with maggot-infested wounds are in desperate need of being re-homed.
Stig, a black kitten, was found trapped in a cardboard box which had been dumped in a skip.
And Lily, also a young black cat, had been run over by a car and left in a gutter for so long that her wounds became infected.
Now, the animals are in need of a new loving home.
Helen Wood, centre manger at Derby Adoption Centre – which took in Stig – said: "He was found trapped into a cardboard box and dumped in a skip where he was lucky not to suffocate to death.
"He was very lucky to be found.
"In spite of this appalling treatment, he is still a lovely friendly and trusting little chap and really deserves a safe and loving new home.
"Can you help him please?"
Black kitty Lily is also in need of a loving family to take care of her.
She was spotted lying in a gutter by an animal lover who tried to lift her.
Unable to move her without causing her more pain, the passer-by contacted Abbey Vets, in Chaddesden, who sent out a nurse in an ambulance to collect her. It was then that a vet contacted the Derby branch of Cats Protection, to tell them about the cat which had suffered "life-threatening" injuries.
Lily underwent major surgery to fix her shattered pelvis and had another operation to remove a hernia caused by a tear in her diaphragm.
Jane Baynton, volunteer with Derby Branch Cats Protection, said: "Lily would not be here now if it wasn't for the swift actions and professional skill of Clive McPherson, the vet at Abbey Veterinary Group.
"We are extremely grateful to him as, without all his care and hard work, Lily would never have survived. He says she has about used up all of her nine lives and it's a miracle she is with us!
"Lily, a young sleek black beauty, is now doing really well and ready to be rehomed to a very special home.
"All this trauma should not hinder Lily from leading a normal, healthy life."
A woman who has taken Lily in while she recovers from surgery said she was "lucky to be alive".
The cat-lover, who did not wish to be named but lives in the Allenton area, said: "She came to me after she had had her two major operations.
"She was really, really poorly.
"Lily is such a loving cat and always wants kisses!
"She will often rub her face on you. She likes lying on her back and having her tummy tickled and she enjoys eating roast pork! Whoever adopts her will have to give her love because she loves that!"
For more information about Stig, call 01332 824950.
For details about Lily, call 01332 206956.
