A cat is recovering after being shot with an air rifle in Strood.

Molly was injured when she was hit in the chest by a pellet while climbing a tree in the Cliffe Road area of the town.

The tortoiseshell and white moggy is believed to have been shot at about 4pm on Friday.

Her owners saw her climbing a tree, before coming back down and going into their house.

The family then discovered their cat had a chest wound and took her to the vet, where an airgun pellet was removed.

Molly is said to be recocovering well. The RSPCA is now appealing for information.

Inspector Vikki Dawe said: "Other pets could be next. If anyone has any information they can call us on 0300 123 4999."

Anyone found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal can face a maximum six-month prison sentence and a £20,000 fine.

Last year, the RSPCA received 205 reports of cats being shot in Britain.

But it is believed this is just the tip of the iceberg as many attacks go unreported and some owners do not even realise their pets have been shot.

The RSPCA said it has passed information about the Strood shooting to Kent Police.