An orange cat found badly burned in Miami this weekend is now fighting his way back at a local animal hospital after veterinarians said he had been doused with chemicals. Rescuers have named the cat Tray, and staff at Yao Animal Hospital say he arrived terrified and in serious pain but is expected to recover. A police report was filed, and volunteers are urging neighbors to comb through surveillance footage and come forward with any tips.
According to WSVN, Christina Dickson found the orange tabby with open wounds and rushed him to Yao Animal Hospital for emergency care. Medical staff told the station Tray was extremely frightened when he came in and has been receiving intensive wound treatment and supportive therapy. Veterinarians said he is expected to recover, although he will need follow-up care as his burns continue to heal.
Not an isolated incident
This case closely echoes an April incident in North Miami-Dade, when two stray cats named Brinks and Rick were discovered with similar chemical burns and taken to the same clinic for treatment. Burned Stray Cats Battle Back captured volunteers’ fears that the injuries were intentional and underscored how emergency care for multiple burned animals can overwhelm small rescue groups. Local advocates say a pattern like this makes neighborhood security footage and community tips especially critical for investigators.
Investigators and volunteers press for tips
A police report has been filed in Tray’s case, and authorities have not announced any arrests, according to WSVN. In the April attacks, Miami-Dade Animal Services told reporters there were no witnesses and not enough evidence to open a criminal investigation, which led volunteers to post a reward and urge residents to review doorbell and security camera footage. Rescuers say even a single frame that shows something suspicious or one stray tip could be enough to identify whoever is responsible.
Legal context…