A FAMILY is feeling “sick inside” after a second airgun attack on one of their cats in three weeks.

Three year-old Herbert was found lying in the garden at Cherry Gardens, Herne Bay, with two bloody holes in his body.

Margaret Evans, who only weeks ago found another of her daughter’s cats, Poppy, soaked in blood from an air-rifle wound, said: “This is absolutely unbelievable. I feel totally sick inside.”

Herbert was found by Margaret’s teenage grandson when the family returned home.

He was immediately taken to Animed Veterinary Centre in Beltinge and then transferred to Barton Veterinary Hospital in New Dover Road for emergency treatment.

Vets told Mrs Evans removing the pellet lodged between Herbert’s ribs and spine might leave him paralysed.

Mrs Evans, who looks after four cats and a dog at the house for daughter Susan Guida, said: “I am stunned, shocked and horrified.

“Once could be an accident but twice is wicked. Something has to be done to stop this happening.”

Herbert is now back at home on antibiotics.

Police spokesman Jane Walker said the incident had been referred to the neighbourhood team for further investigation.

The RSPCA is investigating the incident and said it would be issuing a warning to pet-owners in its newsletters.