Police believe the 10 month old female cat was shot with a .22 airgun before 7.30am on Monday morning in Upland Close or Accommodation Road.

She returned home with a wound to her side and an inspection by a vet found a pellet had entered one side of her body, travelled through it and become lodged on the other side.

Police are keen to hear from anyone living in the area who has heard or seen air gun activity.

They are also reminding people that it is illegal to carry and fire a weapon in a public place.

PC Rhys Tallentire said: "Not only is it illegal to carry and fire a weapon in a public place or fire them from a window, it is very dangerous.

"On this occasion a cat came very close to losing its life due to someone's actions, but it could so easily have been an innocent person perhaps out walking their dog, or going for an early morning jog."

Anyone with information should contact PC Tallentire at Horncastle Police Station on 01507 523332 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.