When someone shot at Bump, the bullet went straight through the stray cat’s hip but the true extent of his injury was not discovered until sometime later.

A couple in Higham noticed Bump limping when he came into their garden but they were never able to catch him to examine his leg.

Anim-Mates volunteer Bobbie Bajwa managed to catch him and took him to a vet to have his leg X-rayed.

Bobbie said: “I was deeply shocked when the vet said Bump’s limp was the result of him being shot and the bullet had shattered his hip.

“Because the injury was about two months old and had healed the vet said it would be very difficult to fix, requiring an operation by a specialist.

“But having spoken to the vet and the couple we all agreed as Bump was not in any pain we would wait and see how he manages without the extensive surgery.”

The couple were going offer Bump a permanent home, but their own cat didn’t want him around so he needs a new home, ideally without young children as he can be timid.

Bump will need a safe garden where he can enjoy the outdoors without being picked on by other cats.

Bump is now neutered, vaccinated, microchipped and flea and worm treated and should there be a change in his condition in future, Anim-Mates will cover the cost of an operation.

If you can offer a home to Bump, call Bobbie on 07808 625519.

A home is also needed for Fred a four-month-old French Lop rabbit.

He needs to live with another neutered rabbit as a companion.

If you can offer Fred a spacious home, call Lisa on 01634 578258 or 07796 368243.