'Fighting Spirit': Boston Stray Cat Recovers From Terrifying Ordeal

BOSTON, MA — A Boston stray cat is showing a remarkable fighting spirit as he recovers from surgeries to remove both of his eyes after it appears he was hit by a car in Dorchester earlier this month.

The Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals said Boston Animal Control found the roughly 2-year-old cat — subsequently named "Gills" — with severe facial injuries and brought him to Angell Memorial on May 10.

"Honestly, Gills' was in really tough shape when he came to us," said Deborah Bobek, director of operations at the MSPCA's Boston Adoption Center. "He had multiple fractures on his face, and he was in immense pain."

Gills first underwent surgery to remove one of his eyes and insert a wire into his jaw to repair a fracture on May 13 but emerged from it affectionate despite what he'd endured.

"After that first procedure, Gills woke up purring and he was very sweet despite everything that he was going through," Dr. Rebecca Fellman said. "So we were confident that he had the fighting spirit needed to see this through."

After putting Gills on pain medication and allowing for the swelling to subside, his second eye was removed on May 16.

"We believe that it’ll take about eight weeks for Gills' facial fractures to heal and we're able to remove the wire," Dr. Fellman added. "He'll remain in foster care during that time so we're able to ensure everything is healing correctly."

The MSPCA said they are looking for someone who may own the cat to come forward and claim him. Otherwise, Gills will be put up for adoption once his injuries begin to heal enough for him to be placed.

"It's possible that Gills is someone's beloved pet who was badly injured when he got loose," said Bobek. "Often, it can be really overwhelming when people lose a pet. They might not know how and where to report it, and who to ask for help.

"No owner has come forward yet, but that doesn't mean they aren't out there. So we're asking the public for help. Please reach out to us if you or anyone you know may have information on Gills’ owners."

The MSPCA said they will update Gills' recovery on their social media pages and that anyone who knows who might have owned the cat can contact 617-522-7400.