LANSING (WWJ) - Staff at a Lansing animal shelter were left in disbelief this week after they discovered an injured cat brought to their care had been shot — and the bullet was still in his head.
The Capital Area Humane Society said in a post to social media on Thursday that a sweet 2-year-old male cat came to their facility off Grand River Ave. in Lansing with a significant head wound on left side of his face.
A physical exam also showed the cat, named Buster Scruggs, was also missing four teeth while a few others had been broken.
It was only when staff performed a radiograph that they discovered the cat had been shot and the bullet, along with other small fragments, was still stuck in his head.
The humane society did not release how the cat came to be wounded or if Buster was previously owned by someone or a stray, but staff did say they knew they had to act.
"Our veterinarian attempted to locate and remove the bullet and fragments," the shelter stated. "Unfortunately, this exploration found that the bullet was too close to sensitive areas, such as the maxillary blood vessels, eye orbit, and nasal sinus, so it could not safely be removed."
The Lansing area shelter called the situation "unbelievable," but Buster's external wounds are healing up with no signs of infection. They believe Buster will be able to have a good quality of life even with the round still inside him.
"At this time, we believe the bullet will remain quiet in its location," the shelter added. "Many people and animals live normal lives with no negative effects after having metal pieces, bullets, or even gravel bits under their skin or in their bodies after injuries, such as a gun shot, motorcycle accidents, work place injury, etc."
Throughout his ordeal, the shelter said Buster has remained sweet, affectionate and very active — all good qualities that they hope will find the cat a loving forever home that can continue to observe him for potential medical care in the future, given his condition.
"There is a chance that the bullet could migrate over time, so his adopter should monitor for changes in the eye such as bulging appearance, squinting of the eye, eye discharge, or new wounds along the cheek," staff added.
Once Buster is fully healed, he will placed up for adoption and listed on their website at www.AdoptLansing.org.
The humane society is accepting donations to continue helping animals in a variety of conditions. After posting about Buster, the shelter raised over $1,000 to put towards the rescue.
"Supporters, like you, are the only reason we can continue to rescue, treat, and care for homeless and abandoned pets in our community," the humane society stated.
Anyone who wishes to donate can visit https://tinyurl.com/CAHSDonate or check out the shelter's page on Facebook.