Cat Scalded In Online Torture Video Rebounds, Finds His 'Forever Home'

(CBS) – A Chicago cat subjected to a videotaped scalding early this year has rebounded from his horrific injuries and found his "forever home," directors of a North Side shelter announced on social media Thursday.`

The abuse of the cat known as "Driver" generated widespread outrage across the Internet. It also prompted prosecutors to file criminal charges against a Chicago man who allegedly dumped boiling water on the animal before posting the torture video.

On the positive side, the incident generated good will and action on the part of several people, including a pair of rescuers who tracked down the cat; the city's Animal Control department, which initially took him in; and the no-kill shelter Felines & Canines, which oversaw Driver's rehabilitation beginning Feb. 8.

"I am over-the-moon to share that he went to a family who is so wonderful, I kind of wish would they would adopt me, too," shelter executive director Abby Smith said in a Facebook posting Thursday that included a picture of the happy clan. "They are the most gentle, loving family where Driver will know nothing but kindness, love, and napping in the sunbeams for the rest of his life."

Smith added: "He has been in their home for the past two weeks and couldn't be happier! He enjoys sleeping in bed with his humans, watching the birds from their floor-to-ceiling windows, playing with his toys and hunkering down on the couch with the family. It is everything we could have ever hoped for and truly the perfect end to his rocky start in life."

Felines & Canines has started a fund to help care for similarly seriously injured animals that come into its care.

The 18-year-old man accused of harming Driver was still behind bars this week, being held on $10,000 bond, according to the Cook County Sheriff's Department website.