A cat who was shot "point blank" in the face and had to undergo reconstructive surgery has been rehomed.

The black and white feline, named Angel by RSCPA staff, was found with a large ball bearing embedded in the top of her nasal passage, after she was thought to have been shot with a catapult.

The cruel attack, which happened in Church Road, Throwley on December 6, caused the two-year-old cat significant injuries and left her with bone fragments inside her skull.

She was rescued by RSPCA inspector Grace Harris-Bridge after being discovered by a passer-by at about 8.30am.

Angel was taken for veterinary treatment and care at the RSPCA Canterbury branch where she has been recovering for the last two months.

Beth Hixson, centre manager, said: "Poor Angel had been shot point blank in the face.

"The ball bearing was removed but unfortunately she still had a few fragments of skull bone in her head but nothing that should cause her any long term damage.

"After her surgery, she was doing well and the wound had healed as much as it was going to but she was still left with an open hole which was a concern as she would be susceptible to infections.
"The vets made the decision to give Angel a skin graft to cover the hole and allow it to heal properly.

"In surgery, they cut a flap of skin from her head and pulled it over the wound to join everything up.

"She looked a little bit like a jigsaw puzzle when she came out of surgery but it was much better than before."

Over the next few weeks, Angel had to wear a surgical collar until the graft healed. Now, Angel still has a scab on the end of her nose which will heal more over time, but otherwise has been through quite the transformation.

Beth added: "It's a miracle that Angel survived and now we are so happy she has finall found her forever home with the Ingrams."

David and Pamela adopted Angel, now named Lucky, from the branch two weeks ago.

David, who lives in Chestfield near Whitstable, said: "Angel has come along very well. She's got a lot of character, she's lovely.

"Our previous cat had to be put to sleep because of kidney problems.

"We had decided we wouldn't get another car but we found that we really missed her.

"Our friends adopted a kitten from the RSPCA recently but we wanted an older cat ideally.

"When we met Angel, we knew she was just what we wanted and she's now become part of our family."

The RSPCA investigated to try and find out how Angel received the nasty wound.

No one came forward with information at the time, but anyone with further details is asked to call the inspectorate appeal line on 0300 123 8018.