A FOURTEEN-year-old cat had to undergo surgery after being shot in the stomach with an air rifle pellet.

Muffet, a female Persian cross cat, was found bleeding upstairs at her owner's home in Ribblesdale Court, Long Preston.

Owner Mary Bland, who has had Muffet for fours years, said she was really upset and angry when she found her pet last week.

"She's a very quiet cat who just saunters. She would be a very easy target because of her age and I am so angry to think someone could have hurt her. Muffet is really my daughter Jacqueline's cat, but I have been looking after her for the last four years."

Mrs Bland said she noticed Muffet was acting strangely last Thursday when she would not allow her to stroke her.

"She just ran upstairs and when I went up I noticed blood on the carpet. I took her to the vet at Settle and after examining her he said she looked as though she had been shot.

"He cleaned the wound and said he would have to operate. Fortunately the pellet, which the vet saved, had not penetrated her stomach, but had gone through the stomach muscle. I think if she hadn't had such thick fur she wouldn't have been so lucky," said Mrs Bland.

As a result of the shooting, Mrs Bland has been around the estate and warned other cat owners to watch their pets.

"I think whoever has done this has to be someone nearby because Muffet never wanders far away from home. She is quite elderly and has been neutered so just saunters around in a small area," Mrs Bland added.

"The police have taken all the details and are investigating who it may have been who shot her. I hope it stops them from doing it again," she added.

Neighbour Tim Clayton said he was particularly worried about someone taking pot shots at animals because of all the young children on the estate. "I have two small children aged six and four so I am naturally concerned that they may be injured. There could easily be an accident," he said.

The visit to the vets cost Mrs Bland £120, although she says that is not her argument.

"Money is only money. What I am most upset and angry about is the fact someone could hurt the cat."

Vets have said Muffet will recover fully from her ordeal.

Anyone with information about the shooting should contact the police witness line on 01423 539334.