JdoggE - yes, the cat is suffering. Get it out of your girlfriends' ex-roommate's house immediately, and by any means necessary. You can either make an anonymous call to the humane society (note: repeated calls may be necessary), or, if you have access to the house, simply REMOVE IT from the abusive environment; if anyone argues w/ you or tries to stop you, point out that animal cruelty is illegal - no one of sound mind (which i actually doubt concerns these torturers) would enjoy a visit from the local police (a threat of this should be as effective as ever actually following through on it). This is a LIFE you are talking about, not a toy that they can play with at whim. Although the cat probably already has some brain damage, and will probably never fully recover, it might at least have a chance to live a lengthier - and happier - life.