(June 24) -- It's a good thing cats have nine lives: This British kitten may have spent as long as a week with an arrow piercing his body.
Dave, an 11-month-old tabby, went missing June 2. The Childerhouse family of Norfolk, England, had nearly given up hope on their pet when he returned to their yard eight days later, with a crossbow bolt running through his chest, the London Daily Mail reported.
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The arrow pierced through the cat's chest cavity, but the blunt tip pushed Dave's vital organs aside, according to veterinarian Sarah Colegrove. His heart and lungs narrowly avoided being punctured. The primary concern was infection as the arrow had pushed hair and dirt into the wound as it went in.
Juliet Childerhouse, 46, said police think someone riding past Dave shot him with the crossbow, but she believes it was done at close range.
Her husband, Andrew Childerhouse, agreed. "Dave is a very friendly cat so someone probably got very close and then let him have it," he said.
Dave is recovering after five days of intensive veterinary care and a round of strong antibiotics.
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Animals in the News
Chanel, a white dachshund who held the Guinness world record for oldest dog, died Aug. 28 at age 21. Earlier this year, her owners said she was in good health, with the exception of sunglasses she had to wear for cataracts.
Meredith Daniels, Newsday / MCT
Meredith Daniels, Newsday / MCT
