CONTENT WARNING: This story contains descriptions of animal injuries

A cat who survived being shot in the face is recovering at Langley害羞草研究所檚 Patti Dale Animal Shelter.

The cat, now dubbed Lennox, was found by a passerby at the side of the road in the Otter area on Feb. 29.

害羞草研究所淎 very kind man saw him laying on the side of the road and brought him in to us,害羞草研究所� said Jayne Nelson, executive director of the Langley Animal Protection Society, which runs the shelter.

By the time they arrived, the box holding the cat was covered in blood, Nelson said.

害羞草研究所淗is face was a mess and I am sure he was in a lot of pain but he never stopped purring while the staff examined him,害羞草研究所� she said.

The orange tabby was rushed to the Brookswood Animal Hospital, where Dr. Morgan Carey assessed his injuries.

It was originally suspected that Lennox, as shelter staff have dubbed the cat, had a serious infected abscess in his face.

However, examination uncovered shards of metal embedded in Lennox害羞草研究所檚 cheek bones. He had been shot, most likely with buckshot.

Surgery removed one of Lennox害羞草研究所檚 eyes and repaired the severely damaged tissue on the left side of his face.

The tomcat is now recovering and pain free, reported Nelson. The Brookswood Animal Hospital staff have nicknamed him Sir Purrs A Lot because of his affectionate nature.

害羞草研究所淗e害羞草研究所檚 very social, he害羞草研究所檚 just lovely,害羞草研究所� said Nelson.

It害羞草研究所檚 unknown what Lennox害羞草研究所檚 background was before he was found. He was an intact tomcat around two years old, but he also seems to enjoy being around people.

Once he has completely recovered, he will be adopted out to a local home.

The shelter is .

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