Robbie the cat has been named pet survivor of the year (Picture: PDSA)

It’s been a tough 12 months for Robbie the cat but the year has ended on a high after he was named ‘pet survivor of the year’ after overcoming the horrific burns he suffered in a terrible accident.

One-year-old Robbie was left with life-threatening injuries after he suffered severe burns to his face, paws and head when the abandoned sofa he had sought shelter in was set alight in May.

After six months of skin grafts and surgery, funded by the local community, the feline made a remarkable recovery and has now been crowned PDSA Pet Survivor of the Year.

Robbie in bandages following the horrific accident Picture: PDSA)

Despite having one of his back legs amputated and the toes on his remaining back leg being ‘melted’ together into a stump, the former stray from Croydon, in south London, still has a cheerful demeanour.




His new owner who nominated him for the award, Gill Smith, said: ‘Robbie is a unique character and he still bears the physical scars from his fiery ordeal.

‘But despite this he runs around the house like a rocket. He is a little hero, and his bravery and fortitude have inspired many people in the community.’

PDSA vet Elaine Pendlebury said: ‘Robbie is a truly inspiring story for us all. He coped so well with his pain and suffering and fought back against severe injuries that not all pets would have overcome. He really is a true survivor.’