Animal groomer faces a year in jail over beating of small Burmese cat

By MATTHEW LYSIAK
DAILY NEWS STAFF WRITER

A sadistic Brooklyn pet groomer faces a year in prison on charges of beating a tiny Burmese cat - and handing her back to her owner in a blood-soaked plastic bag.

"We looked in the bag, and Nusha's entire face was covered in blood," said heartbroken pet owner Igor Kisil, 45. "Tears were coming from her eyes. I've never seen a cat do that."

Bechir Bejaoui, 23, of Bay Ridge, was charged with animal cruelty for abusing Nusha, a 3-pound cat, last summer. Bejaoui, who is awaiting trial next month, blamed the cat for being "bad," but a veterinarian said it was the worst case of animal abuse he's seen in 30 years.

"I have cats that have fallen out of very high windows that weren't this bad," said Dr. Roy Appel. "It was awful, just awful to see the cat suffering like it did."

The cat suffered severe trauma, internal injuries and hemorrhaging. She was in the hospital for two weeks and fought off two infections.

A spokesman for the pet grooming store said Thursday no one could remember the incident.

Nusha has recovered from her physical wounds, but is still skittish. "My Nusha just hasn't been the same trusting cat and probably never will be," Kisil said.