DURHAM vets trying to trace the owner of an injured cat are urging owners to microchip their pets.

The Gilmoor Vets Group, in Gilesgate, is treating a female black cat with only half a tail, which was run over in North Road on Saturday night.

The animal has had emergency treatment paid for by the RSPCA but will need further surgery for a ruptured diaphragm.

The vets are trying to find its owner.

Veterinary nurse Caroline Calder said: "If she had a microchip or a collar on, we could have found the owner quickly.''

The cat is recovering and the operation will still go ahead if the owner is not found, but the animal will be re-homed.

Taken to the surgery by a passer-by, the cat is not thought to be a stray because it is in good condition.

The surgery can be reached on 0191-386 4477.