Cat Car Accident

My Abyssinian cat, just over two years old, was recently (seemingly) hit by my mother's car. She is an indoor cat, but my family members commonly let her out of the house accidentally. In any case, two days ago, after the cat escaped for a few hours, my mother was backing out of her garage in her car, felt a bump, and saw my returning cat bolt out across the yard while carrying one back leg up. I wasn't there, and my mother isn't sure if the cat was actually run over or not. Once she was brought inside, though, she's been down resting for most of the day, and very alert when awake. She also had a sufficient appetite yesterday, and while she wasn't as hungry today, we have been able to keep her well hydrated.

What puzzles me most, though, is that for as much pain as she seems to be in, she still chooses to walk, albeit weakly, when she is not resting. While she tries to crawl to most places (even when ill, her attention-loving personality still drives her to visit us around the house), she will also willingly pick up her leg and limp over to her destination, including her litter box. She usually complains with a meow whenever she does this, though, or when her sore spots are touched. Her front legs are fine; only her back legs seem to be affected. The base of her lower back, above her hips but before her tail, is swollen (though less swollen today than yesterday) and she appears to have a small open wound on one leg, which seems to reveal bone. This shall soon be cleansed, though should I bandage it as well? Also is it likely that, given my cat's behavior, the bone is truly fractured or broken?

I've read from many websites that cats can easily hide their suffering, and that internal organs could be harmed while going unnoticed. I have been unable to convince my parents to take her to the vet, though through considerable effort I was able to make them finally call a veterinarian friend, who said that she should heal on her own, appetite is a good sign that the accident is not too serious, and that the pain is good: it will keep her from using the injured leg and stressing it. Also, the evidence that my cat was able to immediately run after being "hit" and is still walking around occasionally seems convincing that no bones are fractured or broken. Is this advice reputable? Will rest be enough, or should I consider other reasons to further attempt to convince my parents to take her to the vet? And if I still can't get her to a vet, are there any medications I should use? I appreciate any advice you can give.

You need to take her to a vet ASAP. 

Sorry, the advice we are giving, esp in cases like this - is to go to the vet. Of course We do.

There happens poor people who really dont afford.  Or they dont have accest the nearest 100 miles.I

In these cases we try to find some home remedies.  but these are exceptions.

Nice you got some vet advice, but is this person the responsible vet?

If a responsible vet in charge gives such advice... Feels more reliable.

Take her to the vet NOW.  I rescued an cat hit by a car, it ran while we were trying to trap it, took to the vet, later had to be euthanized because of injuries to tail and internal injuries.  What you don't see, feel WILL kill the cat.  Convince your mother otherwise; show here these posts or the research your found on-line.

Sorry to be so dramatic, dogmatic, but yes, the cat needs to see a vet ASAP.

We had a neighbor who ran over a cat while backing out of his garage. He didn't bring the cat to a vet for the same reasons you are explaining and the cat died a couple of days later. Had he told me what had happened, I would have brought the cat to the vet myself.

Your cat needs to see a vet. Cats do hide their pain well and the outward sign of limping may not be the only injury.

You need to get the cat to the vets ASAP

Everyone, thank-you for the advice. My mother does want my cat to receive medical attention, but my father continues to refuse with the argument that he is a strong believer in natural healing, and that he doesn't value the life of an animal enough to pay for full medical treatment (despite having done so in the past for his hunting dog, out of guilt). My mother and I will keep trying to push him to take my cat to the vet, but at least she's looking better and better each day, today being day four. She is eating (solids and liquids) more often, responds to string (one of her favorite toys) and kneads her paws (something she used to do constantly), and her leg and back are dramatically less swollen. She also only meows complaints of pain on occasional movements, but is still cautious upon moving her left leg. The wound has also closed on its own, and shows no signs of infection. (Again, I know that these signs are not valid excuses to avoid a vet trip; I'm still trying to take her, but at least she seems to be improving.)

@StefanZ: The vet is indeed responsible, and even offers to take X-rays for free once he comes back from seeing out-of-area patients (which he does often). Really, the only obstacle in this situation is my father, who will only take into account information he wants to hear. At least I can prod him to call this vet and get more information when needed. From our description of her symptoms, the vet thinks my cat has a torn ligament, and recommends splinting it for now. I can only hope my cat continues to improve, and not fall to this injury.

The best thing you can do is try and keep your cat quiet and off the hurt legs. Don't encourage her to play, rest and staying off the leg will help her heal alot quicker.. Keep trying to get to a vet if your dad changes his mind..