Bullet Lodged in Cat's Shoulder

A cat that was shot in the leg as she roamed her neighborhood in Holiday, will get a new start at life, thanks to the efforts of the and the Tarpon Animal Hospital.

Rubi was brought to the Tarpon Animal Hospital last week after she was discovered to be limping.

An x-ray found that Rubi had been shot in her upper right leg. The bullet passed through her leg, breaking it in half, and then lodged in her shoulder.

Tiffany Rimar, DVM, performed surgery on Rubi and left the bullet in Rubi's shoulder because trying to remove it could have damaged the cat's leg even more. Her leg was so severely damaged that amputation was a possibility.

However, after a few days of rest and some heavy medication, Rubi appears to be recovering and her leg may not have to be amputated.

Suncoast Animal League Executive Director Rick Chaboudy says it looks like Rubi is on the mend. She can now sit up and stand, and even put pressure on her injured leg.

"She's bright eyed, it's a remarkable difference," he said.

There are a lot of people who are happy to hear that Rubi's condition is improving. Many people have left comments on the Suncoast Animal League's Facebook page, some have called asking where they can send money to help pay the veterinarian's bill, and one person even dropped off a stuffed toy for Rubi.

Rubi has also managed to charm her caretakers at the Tarpon Animal Hospital, too.

"She's been purring, she's been really good… For what she's been through, she's very sweet," said Dorinda Odell a Certified Vet Technician at the hospital.

If you would like to make a donation to go toward Rubi's vet bill, call the Suncoast Animal League at (727) 786-1330.