Rare rusty-spotted cat undergoes life-saving surgery after rescue in Mumbai

Officials said performing surgery on such a small wild animal was highly challenging. Pic/Special Arrangement

A female rusty-spotted cat, considered one of the world's smallest and rarest wild cat species, has undergone a rare life-saving surgery in Mumbai after suffering severe injuries.

The critically injured wild cat was rescued jointly by the Resqink Association for Wildlife Welfare (RAWW) and the Forest Department.

According to wildlife officials, the animal was found with serious facial injuries, suspected to have been caused by a collision with a hard object.

The cat, weighing less than 900 grams, was brought to a wildlife veterinary facility associated with RAWW in critical condition. Doctors found active nose bleeding along with fractures to both the upper jaw (maxilla) and lower jaw (mandible).

Veterinarians described the case as extremely delicate due to the tiny size of the animal and the complexity of the fractures.

Two-hour complex surgery performed

A specialised team of wildlife veterinarians led by Dr Rina Dev carried out a complex orthopaedic surgery that lasted nearly two hours.

The operation involved carefully fixing the fractured bones and stabilising the animal's condition in an effort to save its life.

Officials said performing surgery on such a small wild animal was highly challenging and required precision and specialised care.

Under intensive care

The young wild cat is currently under intensive observation and is being monitored round the clock by veterinarians and wildlife rehabilitators.

Officials said the animal is expected to remain under treatment for the next few weeks while doctors monitor its recovery closely.

If the recovery progresses well, the team hopes to eventually release the cat back into its natural habitat.