A cat rescued from a re-homing charity had to be put down after being hit by an airgun pellet.

Toby, a five-year-old much-loved pet, was struck in the neck by the pellet on Tuesday evening.

He was found lying paralysed and terrified by his owner, Jackie Morton, later that night.

She took him to a vet but after emergency painkilling treatment and an X-ray, it was found the pellet was lodged in his spine. He had to be put down 24 hours later.

Speaking exclusively to the Medway Messenger, Mrs Morton, of Ashmead Close, Lordswood, said: “I want to warn other cat owners that someone in the area is taking pot shots at cats.

“I’m sure who ever did it didn’t mean to kill Toby but that’s exactly what happened.

“It is so cruel. He was such a lovely, beautiful big strong tom cat.

“I got him from the Cats Protection place in Bredhurst in January last year and I loved him and he loved me.

“We were companions and we gave each other company.

“I’ve only had two cats in my life. The first one I had for 18 years and it took me a long time to get Toby after my first one died.

“I am devastated and speechless about how anyone would want to do this to a any animal.

At first, Mrs Morton thought Toby had been attacked by a dog, but the X-ray provided the proof that Mrs Morton’s pet had been the victim of aan attack. She reported the incident to the RSPCA and the police.

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