The RSPCA is appealing for information after a cat was shot in the leg.

Lilly, a black and white moggy, went missing from her home in Albany Road, Gillingham, on Friday, June 13.

After a couple of days of searching she was found lying in nearby bushes in her back garden with a broken leg.

Lilly was taken to a vet who found that she had been shot with a lead pellet air rifle. She has been operated on, but it is still uncertain whether she will have to have the leg amputated.

RSPCA inspector Vikki Dawe said: “Poor Lilly was in a lot of pain and we still do not know whether she has lost her leg forever.

The family are beside themselves with worry about Lilly and also for the safety of their other three cats.

“It is an offence to attack an animal in this way but sadly it is something we see far too often.

“Cats and wildlife seem to be the main target of attacks, simply because they are out in the open with no one to protect them.

"The injuries caused by such attacks are horrific and often fatal.

These attacks are often deliberate by people who just don’t care about hurting animals or who are deliberately targeting animals to keep them away from gardens.

“I urge anyone with any information to call us on 0300 123 8018.”