A HORRIFIED woman whose cat was shot with an air gun today branded the culprits "barbaric".

Sally Adams, 35, of Minster Close, Wigginton, was shocked to discover her beloved pet, Fern, a black and white female, had a pellet lodged in her back. It is thought she had been hit from long range by an air gun.

Miss Adams, who has three other cats, Hooch, Toffee and Fudge, took injured Fern to her vet, where the pellet was removed.

She said: "Fern came into the room with fur matted on her back and I didn't think anything of it.

"When I looked later I found the pellet sticking out. I was so shocked and angry. I can't believe that someone could actually shoot a cat.

"The vet said he had come across a few of these cases. He said Fern was shot from a distance so it was lucky I saw it. These people are barbaric."

Miss Adams, who is now fearful for her other cats, said she believed local youths were responsible for shooting Fern.

She said: "It has not put me off letting my cats out because I believe they should be free.

"I've been listening out for gunshots but I've not heard anything so far. "It's a horrible thought that it could be someone living nearby."

Miss Adams said she had reported the incident to the police. Anyone with information should phone detectives on 0800 6060 247.

The Evening Press previously reported the horrifying ordeal suffered by tabby cats Ditto and Cinder, who were each blinded in one eye after being blasted by air guns.

The gun pellets were permanently lodged in their faces, leading vets to believe the culprit held them to his or her chest while pulling the trigger at point-blank range.

A pet lover from York was so disgusted to hear of the cats' plight that she sent a cheque to owner Helen Overton, so she could buy them a gift.

Updated: 10:25 Monday, April 18, 2005