TWO cats belonging to the same owners have both been shot in the head within the space of a year.

The cats’ owner, who wants to stay anonymous, believes one of their pets, Gunter, was shot with an air gun in Wavering Lane East, Gillingham, between 3pm and 5pm on August 24.

Five-year-old Gunter has since had to have two procedures to fully remove the pellet which embedded in his head, but he is currently recovering well.

The attack follows a similar incident involving the owner’s other cat, Lewey, who was shot last year, on August 23.

He also survived the ordeal.

“I knew straight away that something was wrong with Gunter – it brought all the memories back of what happened with Lewey,” the owner said.

“Gunter was just sitting on the stairs and wasn’t acting right at all. I picked him up and rushed him straight to the vets.”

“I know of a neighbour who also had a cat shot last year - we live down a private drive and our cats don’t bother anyone.”

The owner added: “My cats don’t stray very far and they were both shot in the head - it feels like this is a targeted attack and I would like to raise awareness about what is happening for other cat owners in the area.”

The RSPCA is appealing for information following the attack.

Inspector Ken Snook said: “I haven’t dealt with any other incidents like this so it is a mystery why this has happened to the same person twice. If anyone does have any information how these cats came to be injured, we would urge them to get in touch with us.

“We would like to remind people that a vicious attack like this on a cat, or on any animal, is not only cruel and unacceptable but it is also a criminal offence against the Animal Welfare Act 2006. Anyone caught and found guilty of hurting an animal in this way could face a fine of up to £5,000 and up to six months in prison.”

Anyone that has any further information about this incident should contact the RSPCA inspector appeal line in confidence on 0300 123 8018.