Dr Scott Miller fought back tears during Friday's live edition of This Morning after revealing that his cat, Yeti, had been struck by a vehicle the night before. Presenters Dermot O'Leary and Sian Welby had invited the veterinary surgeon onto the show to discuss the week's animal welfare stories.
On-Air Revelation About Yeti
During the segment, Dermot O'Leary addressed the vet directly, saying: "This is something that is very pertinent in your life right now, Dr. Scott, and sorry not to bring it up before now. There's new court laws to protect cats on roads, to change the law to give cats greater protection on the roads. Your cat got knocked over last night, I'm so sorry."
Dr Scott responded: "It's life imitating art a little bit. You know, as a vet, we have to deal with people going through these things, and I think it's really hard when it's your own. I came home from the clinic, I tracked him and saw that he was on the other side of a road, and he should never have been over there."
He continued: "So, I followed him. I had to climb underneath fences. He wouldn't come to me, he was covered in his own faeces and he couldn't move. So, I had to take him to the vet practice."
Emotional Moment and Viewer Support
Dr Scott then said "Sorry" as he fought back tears before adding: "He's got a broken spine at the back. He is toileting this morning." Dermot observed that this was a "good sign".
The vet went on: "Yes, he's showing signs that he's going to be able to do that on his own this morning, at my practice. My poor, beautiful boy, Yeti. I feel beyond guilty, because he is just a cat that loves to go out."
Dermot attempted to reassure his colleague, saying: "But you can't stop a cat, if it wants to go out. I genuinely think you can't stop a cat from going out." Scott then revealed: "I've got a dog that can open the blooming sliding doors, I've got two young kids who think the house is a tent. It's really hard."
Messages From Viewers
ITV viewers were swift to share their messages of support after witnessing Scott become visibly upset on screen. "Poor Dr Scott and cat," one viewer posted on X. Another commented: "Awww Scott." A third remarked: "I want to give Dr Scott a hug."
Scott announced the news on Instagram on Thursday evening, posting: "I love my cat too.. but he's hurt." He subsequently added: "Hi All, thanks for the kind messages. Yeti has made it through the night, he is toileting which is the most important thing, but his tail is not moving. I'll keep you all posted."
This Morning airs weekdays on ITV at 10am.
