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Reward in injured cat case grows to at least $18,000; Katy P. continues to recover

People with information are asked to call the humane society at 419-774-4795 or go to www.adoptourstrays.com.

MANSFIELD - As a cat that was tortured with fireworks continues to recover, the reward offer in the case continues to grow.

The reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction has grown to at least $18,000. People who have read about Katy P. have pledged about $8,000, Richland County humane agent Missy Houghton said, with People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals and The Humane Society of the United States each promising an additional $5,000.

The Animal Legal Defense Fund, a national legal advocacy organization for animals, put out a press release saying it would offer another $5,000, but Houghton said that has not yet been confirmed.

"We've had a couple of tips," Houghton said, adding a Mansfield police detective has been assigned to the case.

People with information are asked to call the humane society at 419-774-4795 or go to www.adoptourstrays.com.

Katy's recovery

As Katy P. continues to recover, perhaps never has a cat's bowel movement elicited such happiness.

Katy P. used the litter box twice over the weekend while recuperating at Phillips Animal Hospital.

Veterinarians said the key to the long-haired tabby cat's survival would be whether she could go on her own.

"She went in her litter box, so the vets are fairly confident she's not incontinent," Houghton said.

Dr. Andrew Scherrer performed surgery on July 9 after someone inserted a firecracker in Katy P.'s rectum and detonated it. At the time, he estimated the cat's chances of survival at 50-50.

"Katy's doing very, very well," Scherrer said Monday. "I have a feeling that she's going to make a full recovery and be an indoor cat."

More popular than her namesake?

Katy P. has developed quite the following. People.com has shared her story, and a woman from Afghanistan called about her last week.

Scherrer said get-well cards have been pouring in. Staff members have put some of them in with Katy P.

"She doesn't quite know what to do with them," Scherrer said.

About the only setback for Katy P. has been the amputation of her tail, which happened Saturday.

"You can tell a little bit how they're feeling (by their tail movements), but in the grand scheme of things, at least it's only her tail," Houghton said.

Houghton said Katy P. won't be up for adoption for awhile.

"We want to make sure she's good and healed before we put her up for adoption," she said.

The humane agent and shelter director for the Humane Society of Richland County added she's relieved something good is coming out of something that could have been so tragic.

"As horrible as this was, we're just as overwhelmed by everybody's support," Houghton said.

Scherrer said never bet against Katy P.

"She's proven me wrong," the vet said, "which I'm very happy about."

mcaudill@gannett.com

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