A kitten who suffered a broken skull at the hands of his cruel owner has found a loving forever home with the officer who saved him.
Berlioz was rescued by the RSPCA when he was just four months old.
He had a broken skull and fractures to his ribs.
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Police discovered him when they attended a property in the West Midlands to investigate reports of a dead kitten.
They found another cat, Tiggy, dead in the kitchen with terrified Berlioz sitting next to the body.
Berlioz had a swollen head, blood on his neck and bruising consistent with fingers or some sort of material.
Tiggy had died from trauma to the head, as reported by Need To Know.
Animal Rescue Officer, Jonny Wood, from Atherstone, Warwickshire, said Berlioz was very distressed and chances of recovery were “touch and go”.
But Jonny, his partner Caroline, and their two children, Harry, 13, and Freddie, 10, fell in love with the kitten, now five, and rehomed him.
Jonny said: “I hadn’t been an RSPCA officer for very long when I was asked to go to the vets to gather evidence for a colleague who was investigating the death of one kitten and a second injured kitten.
“It was the first job that really tugged at my heartstrings, and I knew I had to take him home with me.
“I saw him at the hospital, and he looked dazed and weak with a domed forehead due to swelling, and he was very reserved – not at all like how you’d expect a young kitten to act.
“I fell in love with him instantly, and after the start he’d had, I just knew he was coming home with me. It was a miracle he was alive.
“He was on pain relief at the house for weeks and weeks.
“It was a slow progress, and he had to be on cage-rest for the first few months, which was frustrating for him because he just wanted to get out and do typical energetic kitten stuff, like trying to climb the curtains.
“We felt so bad for him, but finally he recovered and now he’s doing great.
“He’s such an amazing character.
“His nickname is ‘dog cat’ because he gets on so well with our dog Jess, and he even comes on walks with us when we are out walking the dog. He’ll just follow.
“Even when the kids are playing rugby, he will sit in the hedge and wait for them to finish and then walk back home with us afterwards.
“He is full of character and so lovely – I’m so glad that I brought him home that horrible day and so pleased that we could give him the happy life he deserves.”
The RSPCA is highlighting Berlioz’s story as part of its Summer Cruelty campaign, as sadly, animal cruelty peaks in the summer, with the RSPCA seeing a shocking 33 per cent rise in the summer months.
Last summer, the charity received 374 reports of cruelty against animals every single day, which is, shockingly, one report every two minutes the line is open.
Beatings are also up 10 per cent year on year, with a heartbreaking four beatings reported every hour, or one every 15 minutes the call line is open.
RSPCA inspector Laura Baker said: “This is still the worst non-accidental injury case I have ever dealt with, and unfortunately, we seem to be seeing more of these deliberate injury cases.
“It is terrifying to think that, whilst to some, myself included, our cats are our worlds, to others they are merely punching bags.
“Berlioz is so lucky to be alive. We thought he would die as he was so injured, and I was waiting and dreading that phone call to say he had to be put to sleep.
“I am so grateful that Jonny took him home, as with the severity of his injuries, a cattery wouldn’t have been suitable for him; he needed medication, constant monitoring and lots of check-ups, and Jonny and his family did an amazing job.
“He very nearly died, so he is a very lucky kitten.
“It’s amazing that after all he has been through, he trusts again and is such a fab cat. I am so thrilled he is living the dream life he always deserved, just so sad his brother wasn’t so lucky.
“We would urge people to support the RSPCA’s Summer Cruelty campaign to help us save more pets like Berlioz who are suffering from horrendous cruelty.”
Jonny added: “He’s probably the softest and friendliest cat on the planet.
“It’s amazing, isn’t it, considering all he has been through, that he can still be so sweet and loving and is friendly with everyone.
“He still walks with a bit of a limp, but we always joke that it makes him look cool, like he’s got swagger.
“He can’t quite sit straight, and one of his legs is always out to the side, but it doesn’t seem to bother him.
“He is also a little cross-eyed, especially if he really stares at something, but other than that, it doesn’t seem to have impacted him, which, considering his injuries, is just incredible.”
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