‘Trusting’ cat was set ablaze by kids in Pennsylvania. Then hero came to rescue
A cat is on the mend in Philadelphia after living through torture at the hands of children.
Pixie, a loving gray and black feline, might not be where he is today if it wasn’t for the help of a good Samaritan and an emergency shelter.
“Pixie was set on fire,” the Pennsylvania Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) said in an April 25 Facebook post.
“After a woman witnessed some kids tormenting a cat in her neighborhood, she knew she needed to help. She recounted watching firsthand the kids setting the cat ablaze, and stepped in to rush him to ACCT Philly. It was there that we were contacted to help.”
Thankfully, everyone involved in saving the cat moved quickly to aid him.
“When Pixie arrived at our shelter, our veterinary team was devastated to find that 80% of his tail had been severely wounded, consistent with thermal injury. The suspicions of being burned were confirmed,” the shelter said.
“While we may never know the full details of what happened, we do know this: Pixie suffered in ways we can’t fully comprehend. And he didn’t deserve any of it.”
The shelter posted photos of Pixie on the operating table at the shelter and him getting love from people.
“But despite the torment he’s been through, Pixie has remained so happy and trusting. Under our care, he underwent emergency surgery to amputate his tail. He’s now recovering, and when he’s ready, we will help him find a home where he’s safe, loved, and never harmed again,” the shelter said.
“Pixie’s story is hard to read. It breaks our hearts. But it’s the reality we fight every single day. It’s why we exist - because no animal should ever face such cruelty, and every animal deserves a second chance at life.”
A video was posted that day of Pixie’s progress, with him receiving gentle scratches.
This story was originally published April 28, 2025 at 2:58 PM with the headline "‘Trusting’ cat was set ablaze by kids in Pennsylvania. Then hero came to rescue."