Injured cat back with family following Summerland wildfire
Published 4:21 pm Wednesday, September 16, 2026
A black cat, found alone and injured during the Bald Range wildfire, has been treated and is now reunited with his family.
The injured cat was discovered by someone working behind the fire line. The rescuer scooped up the cat and rushed him to a veterinary hospital.
Examination there revealed severe burns on the bottom of the cat’s feet, along with dehydration and a painful ear mite infestation.
The veterinary team began treatment, providing pain medication, fluids, wound care and regular bandage changes to help his burned paws heal.
The cat was then taken to a foster family who named him “Whiskey” because his whiskers had been singed in the fire.
Within a week of treatment, the cat was showing his personality and was described as feisty.
The B.C. SPCA shared the cat’s story and photo on social media and a family displaced by the fire recognized him as the cat they knew as Salem.
Within two weeks, Salem was back with his family.
“Salem’s journey home is also a powerful reminder of the scope of animal emergency response during wildfire season,” the B.C SPCA said. “This summer alone, the B.C. SPCA provided emergency boarding for 108 pets affected by wildfires, including dogs, cats, kittens, puppies and even a gecko. Animal protection officers also provided care to dozens of animals in affected communities when evacuation wasn’t possible.”
The SPCA said the outcome was the result of the efforts of many people, including the rescuer, the veterinary teams, the foster family and those who helped connect Salem with his family.