Cat Recovers from Gunshot Wound

A cat who was the victim of a shooting last January has healed and is now available for adoption.

"Rubi" now has a chance for a better life, thanks to the  and the Tarpon Animal Hospital.

The black female cat was shot in the leg while roaming in her neighborhood in Holiday (). The bullet broke her leg in half and then lodged in her shoulder. Rubi's leg was in such bad shape it was almost amputated. Tarpon Animal Hospital Veterinarian Tiffany Rimar decided to leave the bullet in the Rubi's shoulder because trying to remove it could have damaged her leg even more. Rimar placed a pin in Rubi's shoulder with the hope that it would heal and allow Rubi to walk. Five weeks ago, Rubi underwent surgery to have the pin removed.

The Suncoast Animal League thanked the staff at Tarpon Animal Hospital for their efforts.

"Over the past five months of limited activity, Rubi has put on a few pounds and developed a bit of a "Diva" type attitude or "catitude" as the case may be… thanks to the caring staff at Tarpon Animal Hospital, Rubi has survived a life threatening experience. She may have used up one of her nine lives, but she would like to spend the rest of her lives in a loving home with a loving family."

No arrests have been made in connection with the shooting. 

Are you interested in adopting Rubi? Contact the Suncoast Animal League at 1030 Pennsylvania Ave, 727-786-1330 www.suncoastanimalleague.org