Norfolk County OPP investigate after pet cat shot by pellet gun

A Norfolk County family is searching for answers after their missing pet cat was found with pellet gunshot wounds earlier this month.

Natasha Crook says the cat named Cutie bolted out of an open door at her Simcoe home on Maple Street around 9 a.m. on Oct. 2.

Two days later, the family’s eldest golden retriever named Nugget led Crook toward a bush at a park behind their home.

“I pulled out my flashlight and her eyes shown back at me…well her one eye because her other one wasn’t shining anymore,” Crook said.

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Veterinarians found seven pellets inside of Cutie. One had gone straight through her eye, while the others were lodged in her chest, back and near her throat.

The cat has since undergone abdominal surgery and is continuing to recover from its injuries.

“She did good. We were a little worried she wouldn’t make it off the table,” Crook said.

The family has spent nearly $9,500 on Cutie’s vet bills and may need to pay another $6,000 to $10,000 if more surgery is required.

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The family does not have pet insurance, but fortunately, they have a supportive community.

“A lady who actually runs a bunch of the local lost and found cat and dog pages brought me a fresh cooked turkey dinner portion, which was so kind,” Crook said.

Ontario Provincial Police in Norfolk County are investigating, and ask anyone with information to contact officers at 1-888-310-1122.