Cat wounded by arrow

Authorities are trying to figure out how a feral cat got an arrow through one of its front legs.

A resident found the male cat, dubbed "Robin Hood," Tuesday afternoon near a power substation at U.S. 19 and Whitney Road in the High Point neighborhood of Pinellas County.

The Humane Society of Pinellas County took custody of the cat, which is recovering after surgery to remove the arrow, authorities said.

"He looks like he's going to be okay," said shelter manager Abigail Appleton. "It managed to miss the bone."

The person who found Robin Hood worked in the area and often checks on the feral cats, Appleton said.

When authorities got to the spot where the animal was, they found a 2-foot-long aluminum arrow sticking out if its right front leg.

"It looked like a full-size hunting arrow," Appleton said.

A shelter veterinarian had to tranquilize the cat in order to get it to the shelter because it was so scared, she said.

The Humane Society and Pinellas County Sheriff's Office are investigating.

Appleton said investigators believe the cat was shot with the arrow within the last 24 to 48 hours.

The Sheriff's Office will process the arrow for fingerprints. Investigators have already learned that the arrows are typically sold in packs of six.

Meanwhile, Appleton said, the shelter is accepting donations for Robin Hood's care. It appears he may have had an owner before, Appleton said, because he is neutered.

Officials are hopeful he may be able to be adopted.