Someone shot my cat yesterday

[moggerhanger]

I just want to vent really! Yesterday, our cat came home limping and bleeding - after being rushed to the out-of-hours vets, they told us he has an airgun pellet in his hip. He's probably going to be OK but it's still early days.

We live in a small village, and know a lot of the neighbours. So it's a horrible feeling to think that one of them is so cruel and nasty.

We've reported to the police but I doubt they'll be able (or inclined) to do much. I'm also asking around the neighbours I know to find out if they're aware of anyone trigger-happy with an airgun. Feel like I should warn other cat owners too.

I'm so angry and upset!

People do this to birds too. One came down in our garden. I think airguns should be banned.

I'm so sorry someone has done this. I hope he'll be OK x

My old boy, who I took on at about age 11, had a pellet in him, in what seems like a similar position. I was unaware until it was found when he was being x rayed for something completely different. The vet thought it had been there for a long time. We left it well alone, and it was still there when he eventually died aged around 19. It’s horrible to think of people doing this.

Oh look at him with his wee white love heart on his tummy 😻. Rotten bastards to do such a terrible thing.

Everything crossed that he has an easy recovery.

So sorry to read this. How awful 😞 some really horrible people out there.

That's absolutely awful, OP. People who hurt defenceless animals who are much smaller than them are a special kind of disgusting. I hope someone shoots THEM in a the hip with an air pellet and see how they like it! What if your cat hadn't been able to get home? They'd have died outside.

Since your village is small, I would go and knock at every door asking if they had an air gun. And I would tell everyone what happened. You might well get an anonymous tip-off....And then the police would go and have a word. Might scare them. You could also ask for Ring footage. If you could get any proof, animal cruelty is a crime. I'm not sure if pellets are like bullet-guns where you can identify the gun from the pellet. Tell the police, anyway. They might do something. It's a crime, after all.

Basically, I would cause a stink.

ETA: You could pretend that you want to borrow an air gun to frighten a possible intruder...might smoke out who has one.

So sorry for your little cat. Really awful thing for someone to do. I would post on village Facebook, someone might just know something or at least be aware from now.

@MrsSPenguins the village Facebook is up in arms!

Any update on your poor little boy today?

Catapults seem to be the weapon of choice around my way, they actually caught & charged the lads who were aiming at a moorhen on her nest on a lake in a local park. Bless her, she sat firm & managed to raise her brood that year.

Sadly air gun pellets don't have any signs on them showing which gun they were shot from I had one years ago but of course only did target shooting with it in our (large) back garden, never any animals.

Massive sympathy to you and your kitty. There is a huge problem in my area with air guns and catapults. Its disgusting. Your poor cat.

They are quite right to be up in arms about it. I would put on the Facebook you have reported to police if you haven't already. I don't think the police will do anything unless someone has video evidence or similar but it might stop someone who wouldn't want a criminal record.

My dcat was shot with an airgun and had to be put down after several days when I was a dc. It was horrific.
I wish your dcat a smooth recovery.

That’s disgusting! Im so sorry.

The police should be concerned someone is out there trigger happy with an air gun - spread on social media and urge people to report anyone they see with one. My guess would be a preteen/teen boy - I have seen literal 10/11 year old running about with these, usually an older siblings.

Aww this is so awful. Your poor cat! Hope he recovers quickly

He's home from surgery. Confined to a dog crate for the next 6 weeks, on a ton of medication. And isn't it all pill form, which is a bloody nightmare to get down him! He's already managed to get a front leg stuck through the cone of shame. It's going to be a loooong 6 weeks.

I feel so exhausted, nauseous and disorientated, am dreading cooking the dinner later. Just want to stay in bed! I'm actually quite shocked/embarrassed at how physically rubbish I'm feeling. But this is a poo cherry on the cake of poo we've already had served to us in 2025, so that might be partly why I'm knocked a bit sideways.

Thank you all so much for your kind wishes. It helps a lot. Mumsnet is the best 😘

Awww this is so upsetting. Hugs to you and your sweet boy.

What a awful thing to so, people can be so xcnty for no reason, karma will find the dfckers. I hope kitty recovers well and you can both have a time for a Christmas cuddle

You've been running on adrenaline - leaves you wobbly. All my best to you and dcat - poor love.

Front leg through the cone of shame is impressive though 😹

Oh that poor baby! What utter cretins. I really can’t imagine what goes through their minds when they purposely harm innocent animals.

I’m so sorry op. That is absolutely disgusting. Hope your cat is ok.

Op, I am so utterly sorry to read about this, wishing your beautiful cat all the best. So cruel, I would feel the same.

We shoot, our guns are licenced, only use on approved ranges or training grounds. Ignorant buggers like that one get us all a bad name and more restrictions. A permitted low power air rifle does not have the power to stop a cat sized animal. Basic information everyone should know.
Hope the pet improves.