Cat ‘deliberately’ shot with air gun is lucky to be alive

An appeal has been launched after a cat was shot in the neck with an air gun in Liverpool.

Romeo, two, was found whimpering by his owners on Monday, April 1, having managed to make his way back to his home in Croxteth.

They then took him to the vets, who discovered the black and white pet had an air gun pellet lodged in his skin.

Fortunately they were able to remove it from his neck and he is now in recovery.

RSPCA inspectors believe that Romeo was injured in a deliberate attack and said he was ‘lucky’ his injuries weren’t more serious.

Helen Smith said: ‘Poor Romeo must have been in such a lot of pain after being shot, and he’s a very lucky boy that the injury wasn’t more serious.

‘Sadly, we do see cases where pet cats are shot and suffer catastrophic injuries, some having to have a leg amputated or even some not making it and dying as a result of their injury.

‘It’s possible that Romeo was shot by accident, but also I am concerned that he may have been deliberately targeted.

‘Anybody with any information about who may be responsible for injuring Romeo can call our inspector’s appeal line number on 0300 123 8018, where they can leave me a message in complete confidence.’