Ohio residents offer to adopt cat after he was rescued from pipe

FINDLAY, Ohio, Jan. 12 (UPI) -- A cat was rescued from a drainage pipe near an Ohio middle school after spending three days cold and trapped, animal officials said.

The cat, which has been named Piper, was lured out Friday morning. He was had hypothermia, was emaciated and covered in mud, the Courier reported.

"If they truly have nine lives, he probably has three left," Findlay (Ohio) Animal Hospital veterinarian Dr. David Calland, who is assessing the cat's health, said.

A nearby resident heard the cat crying, and Donnell Middle School groundskeepers cut through the drain to try to free the cat.

After consistent cajoling and food offerings, Piper finally came out.

A few hours later at the veterinary office, Piper, a 12-year-old orange tiger stripe cat, was friendly and enjoyed petting and attention, the Courier said.

He had been out on his on for a while, Calland said, and based on his injuries, has had fights with other animals.

"He's led a rough life. He's well-traveled," Calland said. "He doesn't have much muscle mass and there's evidence of old injuries. But he's a happy cat, despite all his issues."

Dana Berger, Hancock County Humane Society dog warden and humane officer, said numerous people have offered to adopt Piper if no one claims the animal.