A TREASURED cat had to be put down after being shot twice by a pellet gun.

The RSPCA has launched an appeal for witnesses after x-rays showed Misty, an 11-year-old tortoiseshell and white cat, had a pellet in her side and another lodged in her spine, which was inoperable.

Misty was taken to Southcrest Veterinary Centre after a call from a resident.

Her owner David Kessey said the family had been staying with his disabled mother and handicapped brother in Studley after his dad suffered a stroke.

When he went to his Vernon Close home to pick up some belongings the next day, he could not find Misty.

A spokesman at the veterinary centre said Misty had been brought in as a stray and it was first thought she had been in a road accident because she was dragging her back legs.

Witnesses can call 0870 5555 999.