Offerton cat Tosca is on the road to recovery after suffering an alleged attack whereby 'a group of kids held him down by his collar and took turns kicking him'.

The injured animal was taken to the vet after being found by a member of the public, and was later diagnosed with a fractured sternum. 

Having now been prescribed a course of painkillers, Tosca is getting better, owner Ryan says. "He seems happy and healthy and getting used to his life as a house cat."

However, Tosca still bears more permanent damage from the attack, says Ryan. 

"It seems that Tosca will need tablets twice daily for the rest of his life or his liver will fail. The vet said there's no way of knowing if the trauma caused it, but his first blood tests were fine so we think it has."

Although police announced they were working with the RSPCA to 'understand the circumstances' of Tosca's injuries, nobody has been found in connection to the alleged attack. 

"In terms of the kids who did it, we don't think we'll ever know", says Ryan. 

Tosca is something of a local celebrity in Offerton; his affinity for exploration has made him well-known amongst many residents (Image - Ryan McHugh)

After closing for a period of time, the fundraiser for Tosca has now re-opened to cover the ongoing costs of medication. 

Tosca is a local celebrity around Offerton, as his friendliness and fondness for exploration takes him across the area and even into people's houses, where he can usually rely on receiving treats, strokes, and fuss.

He was adopted as a rescue-cat by Ryan, having already sustained injuries from being hit by a car before he was rehomed.

For the past six months, Tosca has been going on 'adventures', occasionally staying out of the family home for more than a day. Ryan has suggested this may be how Tosca came to be attacked.

With just under £5,000 in donations, Tosca's owners 'can't believe the response'. 

"My family and I thank everyone so much from the bottom of our hearts, because without the donations and money for the x-ray, tests, and painkillers, the vet was recommending putting him to sleep."

As Tosca's sternum recovers, a more quiet life may be in store to keep him away from further risk of injury. But with such an overwhelming response and a promising outcome at the vet, Tosca should be able to carry on being curious for some time more - albeit under close supervision this time!

You can find and donate to the fundraiser for Tosca HERE.

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