He Survived the Unthinkable: Cat With 5 Fractures Finds the Love he Deserves -

Newsweek

9 hours ago

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
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A British Blue cat who endured horrific abuse during the first year of his life has found a loving new home after months of recovery and rehabilitation.
Benito was subjected to repeated episodes of blunt force trauma while in the care of a former owner. Between March and September 2023, vets recorded a catalogue of severe injuries, including a fractured right femur, broken leg, injured pelvic limb, a limp tail, a chest injury, and hind leg limping. Each injury was sustained in separate incidents—raising serious concerns.
In November 2023, Benito's condition worsened. His owner returned him to the vet after he became weak, was meowing while walking, and could barely stand. He was suffering from a head tremor, knuckling on all four limbs, and had become unusually subdued. Further examination revealed a fractured spine.
The veterinary team became increasingly concerned that they were not accidental. Their suspicions prompted them to contact the U.K.'s largest animal welfare charity, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA), which promptly launched an investigation into the disturbing case.
An x-ray showing five skeletal fractures. The British Blue can be seen lying in his enclosure with a bandage around his paw.
An x-ray showing five skeletal fractures. The British Blue can be seen lying in his enclosure with a bandage around his paw.
RSPCA
Courts in the UK now have the authority to impose tougher penalties for severe animal cruelty, with maximum prison sentences extended from six months to five years under the Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Act. The law, effective since June 2021, also allows for unlimited fines and targets extreme offenses such as dog fighting, puppy abuse, ear cropping, and severe neglect.
In contrast, animal cruelty laws in the U.S. remain inconsistent. As of 2024, only 22 states mandate possession bans after a cruelty conviction—often limited to specific crimes or species—while 20 states, Guam, and Washington, D.C., permit such bans at the court's discretion.
When Benito was rescued, he was unable to stand and appeared hand-shy when approached near his face.
Benito had broken teeth and a burn.
Benito had broken teeth and a burn.
RSPCA
Inspector Vicki Taylor said in a statement: "It is saddening to see the history of Benito and all the injuries he has sustained in a short period of time. The investigation also revealed a photograph of a burn that Benito had suffered, Benito was clearly being hurt regularly by his owner."
Authorities removed Benito from his home and placed him in the care of the RSPCA's Newbrook Animal Hospital in Birmingham, England, where he received urgent treatment for his spinal fracture.
He was administered pain relief every eight hours for a month, antibiotics, and physiotherapy. Due to his immobility, staff turned him every six hours, helped him toilet, and fed him while he lay on his chest to avoid additional pain
Following six weeks of cage rest and gentle physiotherapy, Benito began to show signs of recovery. He was placed into foster care before being adopted by Sugra Sabri, 54, and her daughter Razeenah.
Sugra Sabri holding Benito, who can also be seen drinking from a bowl.
Sugra Sabri holding Benito, who can also be seen drinking from a bowl.
RSPCA
Sabri shared her account of Benito's initial struggles when he arrived at their home in a statement.
She said: "We had a separate room ready for him as advised so that he could get used to his own space first before the rest of the house but he just ran out, with his tail curled in and hid in the corner.
"He wasn't interested in food, he just huddled in the corner, he didn't want anyone near him. It took him about a week but slowly he came into the kitchen to nose around and move towards us."
Initially uninterested in even simple pleasures, Benito didn't care to watch birds from the window—a typical pastime for many cats.
"It took about five months before he started sitting at the window to watch birds," Sabri said.
"Now he's lovely, and he has the full run of the house. He's very gentle and loving, never scratches, if he doesn't want more pets he will just move away. Although he's not a lap cat, he hadn't had that from a young age so I don't think it comes naturally to him. He will come and sit by us but not on us.
"He likes people to sit with him whilst he sleeps, and have someone around with him though which is nice. If he wants pets he will lie on the floor with his legs in the air!"
Sabri and her daughter quickly bonded with Benito, nicknamed "Benny," and made the decision to keep him.
"I wanted to foster lots of different cats but Benny is just so adorable, sweet and gentle that the idea of giving him up just didn't sit right with me," she said.
"My daughter is so close to him too—he turned two this month so as it's also my daughter's birthday they had a joint birthday party at my daughter's insistence. She loves him too, she's well into animals and especially cats, and he brings us both a lot of joy!"
Although physically healed, Benito still experiences anxiety. He remains easily startled by loud noises, avoids direct eye contact, and is wary of new visitors. Still, his progress is encouraging.
"He would shoot off when we had visitors but now he's quite happy to lounge around even when we have visitors and he's got a lot of fans," Sugra said. "We call him a small cuddly bear as he's so soft and cuddly, visitors love him, we love him!"