Strikey, the part-Bengal tabby, has narrowly escaped death thanks to the intervention of vets at Vets4Pets in Banbury who operated to remove the air rifle pellet which had perforated the cat’s intestines in six places.
Owners Kevin and Beauty Godsman of Winchester Close, Grimsbury are now faced with finding over £1,000 in vets’ fees which they have had to put on their credit card.
“Whoever did this is a sick individual and I hope they are arrested and the police throw the book at them,” said Mr Godsman, who reported the crime this week.
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“On Saturday morning the cat was out in the garden. She came in and curled up upstairs and I realised she was struggling. I thought it might be cat flu or she may have been hit by a car. Where her ribs are was not quite right.”
Mr Godsman took the vomiting cat to the vet on Monday. Exrays revealed the pellet from an airgun or rifle just below the heart.
Infection had set in and Strikey was in danger of imminent death.
Vet Rosie Waters, MRCVS, said: “Surgery revealed Strikey had peritonitis as a result of this injury and had six wounds through her intestines that needed debriding and suturing.
“Her intestines had all started to stick together as a result of the infection and inflammation. She has stayed with us for ongoing fluid therapy and intravenous medications. She is still not out of the woods yet as infection could still take hold.”
Mr Godsman said there were many cats in the area in which he lives and he warned owners to check their pets.