Misty the cat is lucky to be alive as this X-ray show. Its body is riddled with air gun pellets.

The moggie has one lodged close to his heart, one in the abdomen, three in the chest and four in his spine.

Owner Claire Reynolds only discovered the full extent of the attack on the family pet when she took it to the vets with a suspected broken leg. A scan revealed a series of small round balls.

Mrs Reynolds, from Upper Halling, said:“We had no idea Misty had been shot at. He never seemed in any discomfort and we never noticed any open wounds.

“The vet said he won’t take them out because it could do more harm than good.

“Nobody is going to own up to doing this. It’s just sickening.

"I can’t believe people can do this to an animal. He’s 15-years-old.

“Misty is not allowed out at the moment as he’s got to rest due to a leg infection but when he is allowed out of course I’m going to worry about him.

"I can’t keep him in though, he’s a cat and he should be allowed out.

“If people don’t like cats in their garden they should use a water pistol or shout at them not fire air gun pellets at them.”

If you have any information contact the RSPCA on 0300 1234999 or contact Medway Police on 01634 792532.

Alternatively you call CrimeStoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.