You helped Butterbean start again

Injured stray Butterbean arrived with a severe pelvis fracture and required months of rehab. Thanks to your support, he was able to get the specialist treatment he needed and make a full recovery.
Injured stray Butterbean the cat was treated by the RSPCA for a fractured pelvis
Butterbean’s favourite things: Stretching, yawning and sleeping

A long healing journey

Four-year-old stray cat Butterbean was found injured and struggling to move his hind legs. Members of the public reported him to our inspectors, who then took him straight to our animal hospital at RSPCA Birmingham Animal Centre for emergency treatment. 

Sadly, X-rays revealed a nasty fracture to his pelvis. It was heartbreaking to see him so uncomfortable. 

Butterbean needed months of strict rest to heal. Our experts designed a bespoke physiotherapy programme to help strengthen his muscles and allow him to put weight on his legs.

Emma Finnimore, Cattery Supervisor, says, “Butterbean was so good. He let everyone gently move his legs back and forth to stop any muscle wastage. He was such a friendly boy.”

But Butterbean needed more space to continue strengthening his muscles than his cat pod provided. 

Thanks to your support, we were able to move him to a foster home with one of our amazing fosterers, Sara. Sara’s home gave Butterbean more room to exercise, which got his muscles working better. 

Throughout it all, Butterbean’s friendly and sweet-natured personality shone through. He worked hard to regain his strength and thankfully, his fracture healed well.


He purred like a traction engine whenever I came home! 

Sara Trevitt, volunteer fosterer 


 Despite his terrible injury, Butterbean was such a happy and playful boy throughout his rehabilitation.

Finally, a home to call his own

Butterbean’s physiotherapy and exercise plan helped him fully regain strength and mobility in his hind legs. Because of your support, he’s now living pain-free. He can move around comfortably, and is living happily in his forever home with Laura, Andy, Noah and Abigail.

Laura says: “We were looking for a cat for our family and came across Butterbean on the animal centre’s website. He sounded relaxed, calm and friendly – just right for our family!”

“He has settled in brilliantly! We were prepared that he might be shy and nervous at first, but he seemed relaxed from the very first day. He snuggles up next to us and the kids and loves to be stroked.”

Laura adds: “His favourite things to play with are pipe cleaners – he’ll chase them around for ages. He also loves cardboard boxes and sitting on colouring books.”

Your dedicated Sponsorship made it all possible. You helped Butterbean blossom into the happy cat he is today.

Laura has a special message for you: “Thank you so much. You have helped our family have a very lovely new friend.”

We’re so grateful to you, too. It’s incredible to see the difference we can make when we come together to help animals like Butterbean.
 A ginger and white male cat named Butterbean at Birmingham animal centre (Newbrook Farm).

Cats’ futures are bright thanks to your compassion

Your RSPCA Sponsorship helps vulnerable cats to rediscover the simple joys in life. Discover the inspiring stories of Butterbean, Bibi and Lord Sugar, and see how your support turned things around for them.