A pet owner is warning people to be on their guard after her beloved family cat was shot in the head with an air rifle.

Alicia Taylor, of Penfold Road in Folkestone, started to worry last Thursday when friendly black and white cat Quentin did not return home by dusk.

It is suspected that the three-year-old cat was shot around that time and could have been unconscious or unable to move for days.

It wasn’t until Sunday when Miss Taylor, 24, returned home after popping out, that she saw a neighbour cradling the family cat on her doorstep.

She had been found in the road, near the house, barely able to walk.

Miss Taylor said: “There was blood and maggots in the wound. The neighbour found her in the road, she had collapsed.

“She is so lovely and friendly, but you can see where she has been shot. I think someone had held her down.

“It is a clear shot between the ears.”

Miss Taylor, who has lived in Folkestone all her life, said she had never heard of such an incident happening in the area.

Quentin was rushed to the vets that night and remained there until Monday.

The bullet was removed and kept as evidence, in case the police need it, but an X-ray showed that part of another pellet was still wedged under her skull.

She may have brain damage and not survive.

“She is usually very playful, cheeky and she was born in our house,” Miss Taylor said.

“It is so sad because she would go up to anyone. Vets think she may have brain damage, but we won’t know for another a week if she’s going to be okay.

“She might need open-skull surgery, but obviously that is very risky.”

Miss Taylor lives with her mother and three siblings, along with four other cats.

The family has been knocking on doors in nearby roads to warn people, and a statement has been shared on Facebook.

Sgt Maxine Harris of the Shepway Community Safety Unit said: “This is distressing for the owners, and we are aware that people are upset.”

She urged witnesses or anyone with information about the incident to call Kent Police on 01843 222289 or Kent Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111, quoting reference number ZY/21389/16.