Final rescue from Montrose apartment fire is badly burned and purring cat

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Montrose vets have revealed the smallest victim of the massive five-alarm fire Tuesday is a cat who has survived but will need treatment for weeks.

The cat, now called Phoenix, was brought to Montrose Vet Clinic Wednesday morning after being found in a garage at a townhouse across the street.

She has severe burns with the fur on her body singed down to only a quarter inch and her eyes are badly swollen.

"We don't know if she will be blind," the practice manager at the clinic said of Phoenix, whose name was inspired by her rise from the ashes of the $50 million apartment complex that was destroyed in the fire.

One member of staff said in an email, "She smells of ashes and burnt hair, but she's still purring!"

Vets have received no word on a possible owner for Phoenix, who is potentially a stray that wandered into the wrong place at the wrong time.

"She has no microchip, there is no owner as yet," said the practice manager, who declinded to be named.

Phoenix the cat was found in a garage of a townhouse across the street from the $50m complex which burned to the ground Tuesday. Phoenix the cat was found in a garage of a townhouse across the street from the $50m complex which burned to the ground Tuesday. Image 1 of / 198 Caption Close Final rescue from Montrose apartment fire is badly burned and purring cat 1 / 198 Back to Gallery

The practice said it has never seen a burn case like this, but reports that Phoenix is stable and receiving fluids and pain medication.

"She's very kind, not being agressive with us at all, she wasn't eating on her own yesterday but today she did, so that's an improvement, although I'm sure she's in pain," the clinic said.

It could be several weeks before Phoenix is ready for a new home, according to vets who will keep her under close watch during her long recovery.

Montrose vet clinic is just two blocks from the fire that tore through the controversial complex at the corner of Montrose and West Dallas Tuesday.

Clinic officials said they feel lucky they didn't have to evacuate their building along with all the animals they were treating.

"We could see the flames but luckily the wind was blowing the other direction," the clinic practice manager said.

The clinic has not asked for donations but anyone who wants to contribute to Phoenix' care is directed to call 713-524-3814.