Cat Pulled From Rubble 15 Days After Italy Earthquake

Firefighters heard faint meows coming from the rubble before finding the cat.

ByABC News
September 8, 2016, 6:50 PM

— -- A cat was pulled from the rubble 15 days after a 6.1-magnitude earthquake hit central Italy, killing at least 300 people and devastating several towns.

Firefighters heard faint meows coming from the rubble in Amatrice as they were trying to recover personal effects from a collapsed home, The Associated Press reported.

Video shows a firefighter sifting through the rubble, eventually uncovering the feline's head. While the cat's body is still stuck, it can be seen turning its head side to side to observe its surroundings while fellow rescuers smile in the background of the video.

The cat, whose name is reportedly Pietro, appeared to be in good spirits and even attempted to scratch the hand of the firefighter who was pulling him out, according to The AP.

Pietro was taken to a veterinarian in the city of Rieti and was diagnosed as being dehydrated and suffering from a fractured jaw, according to The AP.

The Ente Nazionale Protezione Animali (National Association for Animal Protection) has assisted in the rescue of 929 animals, The AP reported.

A golden retriever named Romeo was rescued last week after his hopeful owners were met with barks while calling his name. He spent nine days trapped under the rubble.