Bart, the 'Zombie Cat' appears in photo fluffy and healthy

TAMPA (FOX 13) - Almost a year later, Bart, the kitty who clawed his way out of a shallow grave which made way for his nickname, "Zombie Cat," is doing great, says the Humane Society.

A photo posted on Twitter by the Humane Society of Tampa Bay shows Bart, who was scrawny and disheveled a year ago after being hit by a car and buried, now with full, beautiful fur. He has put on some weight, too, almost too much weight, said Humane Society Director Sherry Silk.

The photo was taken of Bart when he came in for a checkup recently. He is now staying at a foster home with two other cats and they all get along well, Silk says.

Bart has been in the custody of the Humane Society for about a year while they try to get custody to find him a home. The case is currently in court because his owner, Ellis Hutson, refuses to give up ownership.

Hutson told rescuers last year he was sure Bart was dead when he asked a friend to bury him.

Several days later, Bart showed up at the home of a neighbor, who called Hutson. Bart had severe trauma to the head, a broken jaw and a dead eye, with other injuries. He had to undergo surgeries and was put on a feeding tube.

Rescuers believe he may have regained consciousness, dug himself out of the ground and hid for a few days.

The case gained national attention and both Hutson and the Humane Society took calls from all over the world about Bart.