US cat used for target practice shot by arrow, recovering after discovery by mayor

NORWICH, Conn. – A cat that Connecticut officials believe was used for target practice has survived being shot by an arrow.

Norwich Mayor Peter Nystrom was campaigning for re-election on Monday when he said he found the cat on a house porch. The cat named Elliot was shot with a 15-inch (38-centimetre) arrow.

The mayor called police and an animal control officer took the cat to Dr. Kathleen Tangari, a veterinarian.

Tangari says the arrow missed the jugular, the lungs and heart. She says it’s likely the arrow had been in the cat for about two days.

Tangari says the tissue surrounding the arrow started to harden and sealed off blood vessels, likely preventing Elliot from bleeding to death.

The veterinary hospital says Elliot may have long-term nerve damage to his front limbs.