A KITTEN found in the road with an injured paw is recovering after being rescued by the RSPCA.

Dusty, the eight-week-old kitten, was spotted by a member of the public lying in the middle of the road in Commercial Street, Durham, on Sunday July 5.

He had an injury to his right front paw and and was struggling to walk. Alerted by a member of the public Inspector Krissy Raine attended and took the little kitten to the vets immediately.

She said: “Dusty was lucky he was spotted when he was as he really needed help.

“Luckily, his paw isn’t broken but vets believe his injury could be nerve damage, possibly from a bite wound or maybe he was stuck in something and damaged his paw as he struggled free.

“This little fella isn’t microchipped so we haven’t been able to find an owner for him, or find out what happened to cause his injuries, unfortunately."

“He is now being fostered by my fellow inspector Clare Wilson while he recovers. The vets believe it could take around two months before he is back to full health and can walk properly again.

“However, despite his injury, he is starting to come out of his shell and has even started walking on his injured leg. He has lots of energy and will purr when he gets some fuss and loves playing with his toys, just like any other kitten.”

Once Dusty has recovered he will be available for rehoming through the RSPCA Cat Hub.

Dusty is one of 936 cats currently in the care of the RSPCA, as the charity rescues more cats than any other pet.