Cat doused in boiling water still ‘critical’ at North Side shelter

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The cat, Driver, is recovering at a North Side animal shelter. | Felines & Canines photo

A cat that had boiling water poured on it by a South Side man remains in critical condition at a North Side animal shelter, but is expected to recover.

The cat, named Driver, was rescued and is undergoing treatment at the Felines & Canines shelter at 6379 N. Paulina St.

“He is at our vet’s office in critical care,” the shelter’s executive director, Abby Smith, said Wednesday.

Driver is undergoing daily laser treatment for burns, a therapy that will also help promote hair growth. The treatments will continue for two weeks, Smith said.

Leon Teague

The cat is on a heavy dose of pain medications and antibiotics, but started eating again Tuesday, which Smith said is a good sign.

In a few weeks, Smith hopes the cat can be moved from the vet’s office to the shelter, where he eventually will be put up for adoption.

The cat’s medications cost between $80-$100 per day, Smith said. Anyone who would like to donate funds for treatment and care can call (773) 465-4132 or visit www.felinescanines.org.

After the attack was filmed and posted to Facebook last week, police were notified, and officers went to an apartment building in the 6900 block of South King Drive, where Leon Teague was arrested in connection with the attack.

In the online video, the cat could be heard screaming before scurrying away after the water was poured on it, Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney Erin Antonietti said at Teague’s bond hearing Friday.

“The cat . . . ran from one end of the porch to the other screaming in pain,” a police report said.

Authorities who came to Teague’s apartment last week saw the scalded black-and-white cat in the backyard of the building but could not reach it at the time. It was found later.

Teague, 18, was charged with felony animal torture and misdemeanor depiction of animal cruelty. He remains in the Cook County Jail on a $10,000 bond, and is next scheduled to appear in court Thursday.

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