Kingman — Armstrong, an orange tabby cat, is now in the care of a feral cat warrior after he was apparently set on fire on purpose.

Animal control officers reported that they found the cat in mid-December with burns to its back and neck, according to Anita Mortensen, public relations specialist for the Mojave County Sheriff’s Office.Mojave County Animal Shelter and Mojave County Humanitarian After further evaluation by the Society, it was revealed that the burns Armstrong suffered were intentional.

That decision brought the case up to an animal cruelty investigation.

Madison Miller of the nonprofit Feral Cat Warriors has been caring for 3-year-old Armstrong, who has strabismus. She reported that he is recovering, but there is still a long way to go.Staff expects the cat Armstrong will need surgery to deal with how he is healing .

“The burn shrinks the skin. His left ear pulls back the eyelid, making it difficult to blink,” Miller said.

But Armstrong is strong, hence the name. So far, the most difficult aspect of his healing process has been keeping Armstrong from scratching and reopening the wound, which he now wears in his socks and his socks to hide the injury. T wearing his shirt.

Despite his painful past, Miller is fine and said he was a “sweet” cat. When they enter the room, he greets the current caretaker.

“He’s sweet, loving, and bright,” said Miller. “He eats like a champ.”

Armstrong has received medical care and support from the Mojave County Animal Shelter, Mojave County Humane Society, Wild Cat Warriors, and various veterinarians. Miller said it was heartbreaking to see Armstrong’s injuries and charred fur.

“Don’t set the cat on fire,” said Miller.

Feral Cat Warriors are accepting donations to help cover the cost of Armstrong’s medication, appointments, and future surgeries. feralcatwarriors.orgArmstrong will put up with future adoptions.

According to law enforcement, the owner or suspects in the incident are not known. Anyone with information should contact Animal Control at 928-753-0753 and refer to case number DR#22-047901.