A cat owner is warning people to be aware of thugs shooting at pets.

David Day's four-year-old tabby, Thomas, is nursing a wound after being shot with an air rifle on Monday.

Thomas was rushed to the vet after Mr Day and his wife Tracey, from West Malling, noticed a hole in Thomas' belly when he was asleep on the sofa.

The vet removed a pellet and confirmed he had been shot.

Mr Day said: "It appears that he was either shot from close range or by an extremely powerful rifle which makes it particularly nasty. I feel we should warn people that there is someone out there who is capable of doing this kind of thing."

Anyone with information should call police on 01732 379217 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or email appeals.westkent@kent.pnn.police.uk