AN EVESHAM cat owner is warning others to be extra vigilant after her cat was shot and seriously injured with an air gun.

Celia Kimberley, of School Road, Hampton, said: "I was so devastated that someone could shoot him. I'm really upset that someone could stoop to that level and other cat owners should know there is someone out there doing this sort of thing."

Mrs Kimberly said her family knew something was wrong when Tonks, a five-year-old pedigree Tonkinese, failed to come home after going out on September 9.

The cat, which has very dark brown fur known as seal-point and striking turquoise eyes, had never gone missing before and Mrs Kimberley said she soon became very concerned.

Last Monday morning the cat returned after appearing to have dragged itself back home and was clearly in considerable distress.

"He was just lying there in a heap, we knew he was injured quite badly," said Mrs Kimberley.

Tonks was taken to a vet who x-rayed him and found a pellet lodged in his stomach.

After undergoing surgery the cat remained in the vet's intensive care unit for several days before being allowed home where he is now making a good recovery.

Anyone with information about the incident should contact Evesham police on 01905 723888 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.