A cat owner has admitted they are "terrified" there will be further incidents after her tabby was shot with an air gun.

Nub News previously reported that the shooting took place on Hawthorne Close, in West Heath, Congleton at around 10pm on Saturday night.

Laura Sillett, of Hawthorne Close, told Nub News that her two-year-old cat still had a slight limp, but through antibiotics and pain medication, he was on the mend.

Miss Sillett said: "We've lived here for two and a half years and there have been no issues at all, it's a perfect little place for pets and children to play out.

"He came running through the cat flap and had a slight limp, but I initially thought he may have got into a little bit of a fight and decided to come back inside.

"But then I saw blood on the carpet, so when I checked him again, I found a pellet. Luckily, it was only a superficial wound, so I was able to remove it using tweezers without causing him any further discomfort."

Miss Sillett took Minho to the emergency vets in Macclesfield where she was told that she managed to get the pellet out cleanly.

Since the ordeal, Miss Sillett told Nub News that there had not been any knock on affects in Minho's behaviour and he seemed his "old bubbly self".

She added: "I've tried to keep him enclosed in the back garden, but he's such a curious and super friendly cat, he just wants to explore.

"My two sons were quite upset by this incident and they aren't the types to get emotional. The worry I have is there is someone out there carrying a weapon around who is shooting innocent animals.

"I am terrified it could happen again."

Miss Sillett has dropped leaflets to nearby houses asking if anyone may have any information relating to Saturday's incident.

A Cheshire Police spokesperson told Nub News: "Police are aware that a cat had been shot at in the area of Hawthorn Close, Congleton at around 10pm on Saturday 23 May.

"The incident was reported to the police the following day and has been flagged to the local PCSO. If anyone has any information about the incident contact police on 101. Quote IML 712553."

An RSCPA spokesperson told Nub News: "We're aware of this incident and would encourage anyone with any information to get in touch by calling our appeal line on 0300 123 8018."