A CAT shot by an air rifle in Somerton has had its leg amputated after the bullet destroyed his hip bone — with owners left feeling "uneasy" in their own home.

One-year-old Boots, who lives on King Ina Road, Somerton, was brought in to Orchard Vets in Glastonbury with a limp at the end of August after going missing for three days.

His owners were "shocked and distressed" to learn that their son's much-loved cat had been shot and that x-rays showed that the pellet had done serious damage that meant he'd need his leg amputated. 

Owner Amy said: "He was lucky it didn't kill him, Boots doesn't go far. I am fuming about the situation, and feeling uneasy in my home as we don't know if it was intentional.

"The vet has suggested in time that we slowly let him out again, but I'm afraid the same is going to happen again.

"Boots is trying to carry on as normal, he sits there trying to itch and doesn't realise he's lost his leg. So you've got to go and scratch it for him."

She added: "My son has autism, so his cats are a big comfort to him. The kids have found it really hard, and my youngest is only three and is convinced Boot's leg will grow back. The whole situation feels really cruel."

The vet bills, totalling £1,300 so far, have had a "massive financial impact" on the family of four just a few months before Christmas.

Amy said: "To be put in a bit of a rut, because of somebody else's stupidity. It's just not fair, but it's not about the money."

The shooting has been reported to the police and Somerset Council, who are following up with RSPCA.

Amy added: "Given the area that I live in, so many laws have been broken. It's illegal to shoot an air rifle in a built-up area, and to injure an animal that's a £2,000 fine and up to five years in prison.

"Somebody shot a gun in a built-up area where children play, whether [Boot's injury] was intentional or not."

Following his ordeal, Boots has been named Orchard Vets' Pet of the Month.

Orchard Vets in Glastonbury said: "Boots came to us with a limp. Sadly, the x-ray showed that Boots had been shot with an air rifle, and the pellet had broken his hip bone. Unfortunately for Boots, his leg had to be amputated.

"Though he has recovered well, his family have been shocked and upset by this distressing situation and have given their blessing to share his story and pictures, as they want to raise awareness of the impact this dangerous behaviour has had on their family.

"Boots now starts his journey of recovery; spending more time indoors and learning to cope with life on 3 paws instead of 4.

"This recovery also extends to Boots' family, who are trying to come to terms with the trauma that their beloved pet has had to suffer. Sending many well wishes to them all"