Wichita firefighters rescue injured cat from icy river

WICHITA, Kan. – Firefighters have rescued an injured cat from an icy river in downtown Wichita after the animal apparently was thrown off an overpass.

The Wichita Eagle reports that a motorist spotted the black cat Thursday afternoon and called 911. Wichita Fire Lt. Kenneth Ast says the cat was sitting on ice in the middle of the Arkansas River when crews arrived.

Fire Capt. Neko McBee says the ice "was starting to crack" when rescuers in wetsuits and an inflated boat reached the animal. The fire department said in a tweet that the cat was likely thrown off the overpass.

The animal rescue group Beauties and Beasts has dubbed the cat "River" and said on Facebook that he sustained "severe" injury to his rear legs. The group asked for "loving thoughts."

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Information from: The Wichita (Kan.) Eagle, http://www.kansas.com