TODAY is the day to treat your feline friend to something special - especially if they are one of the many who have used up one of their nine lives.

It is International Cat Day (August 8) and a new survey reveals many moggies need vetenary treatment after accidents or misadventures.

A whopping 90 per cent of UK vets have  treated cats for injuries caused by road traffic accidents (RTAs), falling from a height and walking on hot surfaces.

A British Veterinary Association (BVA) survey found almost all (94%) vets surveyed had seen cats injured by RTAs, with vets in the West Midlands treating just above the national average.

BVA's Voice of the Veterinary Profession survey, which polled over 800 companion animal vets across the UK, revealed that, on average, vets treated twice as many cat RTA injuries as cases of similar dog injuries - with one vet alone seeing 99 cases during a 12-month period.

The next most common cat injuries that vets saw through their practice doors were caused by cats falling from height, airgun injuries and burns.

Veterinary surgeon and British Veterinary Association President Gudrun Ravetz said: "Vets are seeing a shocking number of cat injuries in their surgeries.

"These statistics should make owners stop and think about whether their homes and gardens are safe enough for their cats.

"Cats are agile and adaptable animals, but their nine lives are a myth. The good news is that cat owners can take some simple steps to protect their pets from the most common accidents and injuries, including using reflective collars, keeping cats indoors overnight, and being careful in the kitchen and with open windows.”

The BVA is offering advice to assist owners in keeping their cats as safe as possible:

  • Get a reflective collar so that car drivers can see your cat in low light
  • Keep your cat indoors at night to help avoid RTAs
  • A neutered cat roams less and stays closer to home, lessening the RTA risk
  • Make sure windows above the ground floor are not opened wide enough for a cat to fall through
  • Keep cats away from the kitchen when cooking and make sure hobs are properly cooled and covered before allowing access again