HOT WHEELS: Blacky the cat suffered spinal nerve damage after being hit by a car in June and is now mobile after an overwhelming response and donations by online message board users.

A Timaru family whose cat was left paralysed when it was hit by a car have gathered massive online support resulting in a second chance for their pet.

Louise Broomhall called for drivers to stop using Seadown Rd "like a drag strip" in June after Blacky was partly paralysed from the impact.

Mrs Broomhall, angry at the driver who did not stop, thought the cat was going to die after it crawled home. She warned others that it was a matter of time before a child would be killed by speeding drivers along the stretch of road.

The family were told to put Blacky to sleep but decided to persevere after an overwhelming response on Trade Me message boards.

Confined to a cage, Blacky started showing signs of improvement after a week.

"We put messages on Trade Me and the response was fantastic," Mrs Broomhall said.

"People told us not to put him down and we ended up with numerous offers to help out."

With spinal damage leaving the cat paralysed in its back end, Mrs Broomhall searched the internet to find an option to get Blacky mobile again.

After sourcing a credible supplier, the family were looking at a $600 bill to get their pet back on its feet.

With mounting vet bills including a $2000 fee for eye surgery, the Broomhalls faced the daunting task of raising enough funds to purchase the wheelchair.

They were "rapt" with the response when 30 message board users donated $300 towards the wheelchair.

Still slightly uncomfortable with its new mobile device, Blacky appeared to be getting used to his new set of wheels, Mrs Broomhall said.

"It's unbelievable how people can be so generous.

"He (Blacky) appreciates everything you do for him."

Mr Broomhall thanked all those who had helped the family out.