Who would shoot a cat in the head?

That’s the horrifying question we’re asking after a cat in London, Ohio, was found with an arrow embedded in their head.

But this crossbow attack is not an isolated incident. For cats left to fend for themselves outside, danger is constant. Every single day, they face painful injuries, illnesses, hunger, speeding cars, predators like coyotes, and humans who deliberately hurt them.

The cat’s guardian reportedly rushed them to a veterinarian, and the cat is expected to make a full recovery. But most cats don’t survive encounters like this. We’re urgently warning that cats don’t “go missing” on their own. When they’re outside without supervision, something, or someone, will harm them. It’s just a matter of time.

Poison, Fire, and More Arrows—Here’s Why We’re Sharing This Important Video Now

This recent attack is why PETA is drawing attention to a powerful video featuring It actor Jaeden Martell, based on real-life cases of humans attacking cats. It shows how some people deliberately target vulnerable cats, the ones who are left outdoors.

The video has aired in communities shaken by cruelty to cats, including:

• Blaine, Minnesota, where a landlord allegedly poisoned cats a tenant was feeding
• Dayton, Ohio, where someone set a kitten on fire
• Los Angeles, California, where a man is accused of shooting multiple homeless cats with a crossbow
• Pequea Township, Pennsylvania, where a cat was shot in the head with a metal arrow

These were not accidents. They were acts of violence that could have been prevented.

How You Can Help Protect Cats Like the One Shot in Ohio

The safest place for cats is indoors. Keeping cats inside shields them from abuse, disease, parasites, predators, and traffic. If you witness abuse or see an injured or visibly ill cat outside, please call local authorities immediately. If they’re unresponsive, contact PETA for help.

Instead of gambling on your cat’s life by letting them outdoors unsupervised, try some of the many ways to keep cats happy and healthy. With enrichment, play, window perches, and secure outdoor options like catios, cats can live happy, healthy lives without being put in harm’s way.

Because no cat should ever be someone’s target.