STUNNED vets removed a pellet from the mouth of a poorly cat sparking fears he may have been deliberately shot.

Toto’s owners became worried last week when the ginger moggy was struggling to groom himself and turning his nose up at food.

But when they took him to Tiptree Veterinary Centre, and he was put under sedation and x-rayed, the pellet was discovered lodged in the cat’s lip.

Vets believe it could have been there for months because of how skin had grown over it.

Toto’s owner - who wishes to remain anonymous - said she was stunned to find out what had happened.

“It is absolutely awful,” she said.

“My fear is there is somebody around this area who dislikes cats or is looking for a moving target to take shots at.

“It is incredibly unpleasant.

“When the vets pulled out the pellet it was a shock to them and a shock to us.

“They had to sedate him - which costs a fair bit - and shave him to get it out.

“The vets were amazing they could not have done more for him.

“He was obviously in pain - every time I tried to pick him up he would struggle which is not like him.

“We have no idea when it could have happened.

“My husband thinks the pellet is large enough that it might have come from a rifle.”

The owners want to warn people who live nearby in Chapel Road, Tiptree, about the potential dangers.

Three months ago, their other cat suffered puncture wounds when it returned - presumably after being attacked by a dog.

They spent thousands of pounds on treatment for him only for their other pet to be hurt soon after.

The owner said: “Both of them being hurt so quickly makes me worry but I can’t keep them in during the day - it just isn’t fair on them.

“They like their freedom and Toto especially like to roam and we can never be sure where he goes.

“It is something which needs to be highlighted and people need to know in case there is someone out there determined to hurt cats.

“I have had cats all my life and I have never known them to be deliberately hurt.

“Of course, there have been instances when one has been hurt accidentally when they have been hit by a car or something similar.

“But I have no idea why anyone would set out to make them suffer - it is terrible.”