A mum has called for speed deterrents after the family's cat was badly hurt by a “speeding car”.

When Nala, two, did not return to the family home on Cassiobury Drive, on Monday, September 19, her worried family found her in their back garden, but having trouble walking.

The tortoisehell moggy sustained serious injuries including a broken rib and is in "excruciating pain" and in need of an urgent hip replacement.

 

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After checking the doorbell CCTV, the family saw Nala had been struck by a car in the early hours of Monday morning at 2.09am.

Shazia Ahmad, Nala's owner, said the road needs speed restrictions to prevent cars from driving so fast.

She said: “On the CCTV, I can hear from the noise the car made it was not going anywhere near 30mph.

“It seemed more like 50mph.

“People driving down this road do take advantage because there aren’t any speed cameras.

Watford Observer: Nala has lived with the family for nine months. Picture: Shazia AhmadNala has lived with the family for nine months. Picture: Shazia Ahmad (Image: Shazia Ahmad)

“There really needs to be a deterrent – there is a primary school only a stone’s throw away.

“If speed cameras are not a possibility, then at least speed bumps would help.”

Nala, who has lived with the family for nine months after her previous owner moved overseas, needs urgent treatment costing thousands of pounds.

The family has set up a GoFundMe page to try and raise a target of £2,500.

Mrs Ahmad said: “We meant to get insurance but it kept getting delayed.

“We can pay for some of the treatment but not all of it and Nala is in excruciating pain.

“She can’t go to the toilet, and she isn’t eating properly.”

Watford Observer: Nala's favourite place was the family back garden. Picture: Shazia AhmadNala's favourite place was the family back garden. Picture: Shazia Ahmad (Image: Shazia Ahmad)

Mrs Ahmad, her three teenage children and her husband are also struggling since the accident.

She said: “It’s been horrible.

“My daughter is depressed, my eldest hasn’t eaten breakfast and my anxiety has shot up.”

A Hertfordshire County Council spokesperson said: “We’re sorry to hear about this incident and we hope that the cat makes a full recovery, however enforcement of the 30mph speed limit is a matter for the police.”

If you would like to donate to Nala’s treatment, visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/nsaws-help-nala-with-her-surgery-please?utm_campaign=p_lico+share-sheet&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=customer

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