A CAT has miraculously survived being shot with a vets claiming it is the second incident within weeks.

Staff at Medivet on Canvey were shocked when a small cat was brought to them on Wednesday, with the cat appearing to have a gunshot wound from an airgun.

When the cat had x-rays, it was revealed that an airgun pellet was lodged inside the animal.

Fortunately, the pellet didn’t hit his spine or any organs, but the animal did suffer a broken shoulder blade.

The vets took to Facebook in shock at the incident, as well as claiming it was the second of its kind in just six weeks.

Police have been informed, and believe the cat was shot in the Gwendalen Avenue area of Canvey, on Monday.

Shocked residents responded to Medivet, questioning how anyone could do this to an animal.

One said: “This is absolutely disgusting and heartbreaking to read about.

“I don’t know how anyone could do this to any animal at all. I am an animal lover so find things like this very upsetting.

“Hopefully whoever has done this is caught.

“They need to be, or they will think they can run around acting like this.”

Medivet admitted the cat had a lucky escape and urged anyone with information to get in contact with the police.

A spokesman said: “We had a lovely little pussycat brought to us today from the Smallgains area of Canvey having been shot with an airgun pellet.

“This little kitty was lucky enough that it didn’t hit his spine or organs though he has suffered from a broken shoulder blade.

“The police have been informed on this incident and it is the second of its kind in the last six weeks.

“We would ask that anyone who may have any information about who may have done this contacts the police on 101 to discuss this incident. Incident number 340/16.”

The incident was not initially reported to police, but was reported when the cat arrived at Medivet, on Furtherwick Road, Canvey.

A police spokesman said: “We received a third-party report that a cat had been injured on January 16.

“It is believed to have happened in the area of Gwendalen Avenue on Monday, January 15.

“Please call 101 quoting the crime reference number 42/8413/19 with any information.”

Alternatively, to report information anonymously, contact dedicated crimefighting charity, Crimestoppers, on 08000 555 111.

Or to report information to Crimestoppers online, visit www.crimestoppers-uk.org to help identify those responsible.