RSPCA Cymru has launched an appeal for information after Milo returned to his Heol Cawrdaf home clearly out-of-sorts and spooked.
His owners found blood coming from his body, and Milo was later breathing erratically.
The nine-year-old cat was rushed to the vets and X-rays found a pellet from an air rifle lodged under his spine.
Milo was left “millimetres from death” after the shooting, which took place on 14 June between 6pm and 11.30pm.
The pellet had pierced Milo’s lung membrane, and – having gone into the body sideways – had dragged fur with it, before getting lodged under the poor cat’s spine.
RSPCA inspector Darren Oakley said: “It’s absolutely shocking to think that while communities rally together amid the coronavirus pandemic someone has thought it acceptable to take pot shots at a cat using a pellet gun.
“This is totally unacceptable, and something we take very seriously. If anyone has any information about a cat shooting in or near Heol Cawrdaf in Beddau on 14 June, we’d urge them to get in touch with us.
“Any witnesses, or anyone with information, can reach the RSPCA’s inspectorate appeal line on 0300 123 8018.
“We’re delighted to hear Milo has thankfully made a full recovery after such a horrible ordeal.
“However, this incident is another reminder as to the necessity of new regulation concerning air weapons – to help protect both people and animals. The RSPCA wants to see stricter controls on use, better education and an explanation of the law for those purchasing air weapons.”
Sian Norris, Milo’s owner, added: “Milo came home at 11.30pm on the night of 14 June, and was clearly very spooked and soon hid himself away.
“We were really worried. We found blood, his breathing was wrong and he wouldn’t let us go near where the pain was.
“Sadly, vets found a pellet gun bullet lodged under his spine. The pellet had gone in sideways, and dragged fur with it – and we understand poor Milo was millimetres from death.
“Fortunately, he responded brilliantly to treatment – and is now back home, and is his old self again. After a ten-day quarantine on veterinary orders, he was very soon visiting our neighbours, who he absolutely loves.
“But it is just awful to think someone would do this to a cat, and is not something we’ve ever heard of in the area before. We’d urge anyone who knows anything to respond to the RSPCA appeal.”
RSPCA Cymru officers remain on the frontline during the coronavirus pandemic, responding to emergencies. Should you wish to help the animal welfare charity with their work, you can donate online.
