KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Two Kansas City boys allegedly set their family pets on fire using lighter fluid last week, said a spokeswoman for a local pet adoption center.

The boys, ages 9 and 12, allegedly burned the family's dog and cat, she said after Kansas City Animal Control called The Pet Connection to see if they could help find a home for the cat.

The dog died immediately. The 1-year-old cat, Phoenix, ran off. The cat returned badly burned three days later.

The family called animal control. Phoenix was taken to the Half Way Home Pet Adoptions on Raytown Road, where veterinarian Dr. George Robert Peters treated the cat.

Phoenix was transferred to the University of Missouri veterinary school on Sunday morning.

Peters said the cat should make a full recovery and then will be ready for adoption.