SOUTH JORDAN, Utah — A local family’s pet cat, Cheeto, is on the mend following a shocking incident last Thursday that left him with a shattered jaw due to a gunshot wound. Prior to the incident, the 4-year-old feline enjoyed a lively routine of chasing zip ties and exploring around his South Jordan neighborhood.
Mitch Talmage, Cheeto’s owner, detailed the traumatic turn of events that unfolded when the cat ventured outside. “He has this feeding tube which is where we give him all of his food, water, and medicine because he can’t eat or drink on his own,” Talmage explained, reflecting on the severity of Cheeto’s injuries.
The discovery came after an urgent visit to the veterinarian, where an X-ray revealed a bullet lodged inside the cat. “We’re pretty sure it’s a .22 gauge — not a BB, not a pellet, but an actual bullet. He was shot in the face, it hit his jaw, and the vet said it looked like a bomb went off in his mouth,” Talmage recounted. The bullet remains in Cheeto to this day.
Following the incident, Talmage’s mother filed a police report with the South Jordan Police Department, hopeful that someone may come forward with information about the shooter. The emotional impact on the family has been profound. “I haven’t cried over anything the last three years, but this completely broke me,” Talmage said.
Analysis of Cheeto’s GPS tracker indicates the shooting likely occurred near the family’s home, either by Bingham Creek Trail or near LochAwe Drive. “He crossed the road and went into an area he normally doesn’t go to, and the tracker shows that from there, he made a very quick beeline to our house,” Talmage detailed, piecing together Cheeto’s frantic return home after the injury.
Despite the long road to recovery ahead, the Talmages are already planning ways to ensure Cheeto can still enjoy the outdoors without further risk. “We’re going to build him a special outdoor fenced-in area — people call them ‘cat-ios’ — so he can roam around and be safe,” Talmage shared, determined to protect his pet from future harm.
The South Jordan Police Department is investigating the incident, and authorities urge anyone with information to come forward to assist in finding the perpetrator.
