A PIONEERING road safety initiative for cats has been unveiled in Warrington, Cheshire. The pilot scheme, launched by Pro Plan, aims to reduce feline fatalities and injuries from road traffic accidents.

Every year in Britain approximately 960,000 cats are involved in road traffic accidents, many of which die as a result of their injuries. If successful it is hoped that the scheme will be adopted on a national level.

Tower Lane in Warrington will feature specially designed road signs to warn drivers there are cats in the area and to drive more slowly and take extra care.

Claire Parry-Baggott from Pro Plan comments: “There’s always been a history of road signs for horses, farm animals and even hedgehogs, so why not have one for cats? The cat is now the most popular pet in the UK - six-million households own one. With the Pro Plan Cat Road Safety Campaign, the aim is to protect them when they’re out and about, and most at risk”.

Cats Protection, the leading UK feline charity, endorses the campaign. Helen Ralston, Chief Executive of Cats Protection comments: “Far too many cats are involved in road traffic accidents, which causes enormous suffering to pet and owner alike. We warmly welcome the Warrington road sign initiative and hope it will soon be duplicated elsewhere in the country”.

Joanne Driscoll, Environmental Officer at Warrington County Council explains: “We’re delighted to be working with Pro Plan to help raise awareness of the dangers facing cats on UK roads. We hope that it is such a success that other councils will follow suit”.

The Feline Advisory Bureau, the leading UK charity dedicated to promoting health and welfare of cats, has also backed the campaign. CEO, Claire Bessant comments: “Most cats really enjoy the great outdoors, however, they face danger every time they venture onto roads. It’s a problem that has been difficult to tackle before now, so we hope Pro Plan’s solution will prove successful and help reduce the number of cats

Pro Plan’s top tips for anyone finding a cat that’s been injured by road traffic:

• Contact a vet: Contact a vet as soon as possible for advice. The cat may need to be transported to the nearest veterinary practice, and there may be special precautions you need to take depending on the extent of the injuries.

• Moving the injured cat off the road: Always remember your own safety when moving an animal from a road - be vigilant and only act when it is safe to do so. Getting people to direct traffic away from the injured cat may be the first thing to do, depending on the circumstances. An animal’s injuries may be internal or there may be spinal or pelvic injuries, so you need to be aware of how to move the pet out of the road safely.

• Watch Out: Remember than an injured cat will be afraid and in pain, so it may lash out at you. Often, the combination of the animal’s injuries and the surrounding noise and activity will add to their anxiety.

• Broken bones: It is best not to try and apply a splint to a broken leg. Instead, try to encourage the injured pet to adopt the position that is most comfortable for them. Take care that the injured area is not moved when lifting the pet. Protect any external wounds from dirt during the journey to the vet’s surgery.

• Vet check: Telephone the vets to let them know you are on your way. Once you have managed to get the cat safely into the car, drive slowly and carefully to the vet’s.