Firecracker Forced Inside Ohio Cat And Set Off; Reward Offered

MANSFIELD, OH — A neighborhood cat in Mansfield was left fighting for her life when someone "set off" a firecracker in her rectum. Now, a $500 reward is being offered for information that leads authorities to the culprit.

The Humane Society of Richland County wrote in a Facebook post Monday that they believe the firecracker was set off over the weekend.

"We have no words. We need all your good thoughts and vibes for her. We aren't sure if she will make it, it depends on the extent of the damage," the group wrote on Facebook.

The cat, known as "Katy P," lived in the PineBridge apartment complex at 135 E. Cook Rd. Mansfield is about 66 miles southwest of Cleveland. Jon David, a resident at the complex, told Patch the cat is on his porch "quite often."

"She loved laying there and just watching over the going-ons at the apartment complex," he wrote in a Facebook message.

He added: "She never hurt nor bothered anyone and definitely did not deserve this."

Katy P was hospitalized at Phillips Animal Hospital and will remain there for at least a few days, the Humane Society said.

"She made it through surgery and has a guarded prognosis," the organization said. "We don't know if she will be incontinent or unable to defecate. We should know that in a few days."

In an update Wednesday, the group said the cat's rectal catheter was removed and there was good news: there were feces on it. Her urine was also clear, "another good sign."

However, the cat is developing an infection in her tail and had to receive an antibiotic injection. She'll be on oral drugs as well.

"She will be monitored to see if her tail needs amputated. She will still need monitored during the healing process to ensure her rectum is healing properly," the group wrote.

The organization, a nonprofit that says it receives no money from the national organization or any federal or local funding, is asking for support. Those interested in donating to her care can do so by clicking here and then on the PayPal link.

"This is a very sad situation, and we are so grateful for the outpouring of support for the shelter," the group said.

The county Humane Society said it is committed to finding and prosecuting the "sick" person responsible for what it called a"horrific crime."

"We don't know who did it, although we wish we did," the group wrote.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Humane Society at 419-774-4795.

Patch has reached out to the Humane Society for comment and will update when we hear back.

Photo credit: Jon David, used with permission