Ruby’s story is a sad one, but Whakatāne SPCA is hoping with the community’s help, she can get the surgery she needs and find a loving home.

Ruby was abandoned outside the Whakatāne SPCA centre in the rain and she was crammed in a banana box with her three siblings.

A staff member was working late and noticed the box, secured with a heavy flag weight that could have easily crushed the wet cardboard box if it had been there for much longer.

Gemma Cahill said once the box was opened it was clear that Ruby’s brother, Jasper, needed immediate veterinary attention: he was unresponsive with blood coming from his mouth.

He was rushed to the vets but, unfortunately, he did not make it.

She said Ruby was not weight bearing on her leg, so she went for a check up, which confirmed a broken leg. The vet said it was not a new injury but one she had been living with for some time.

“She is not letting her broken leg hold her back and is the happiest and cuddliest girl that you could ever meet.”

The centre is fundraising to get Ruby the surgery that she needs to amputate her leg and give her the happy ending that she deserves with new owners.

“We know that to some she may just be a black cat, but she is a beautiful girl that has endured so much; we want to give her a chance and find her a family to love and adore her,“ Ms Cahill said.

People can donate towards her surgery by popping into the centre or donating online.

The centre asks that those who donate online, email a screenshot to [email protected] so they can keep track of donations.