Vets treating a cat after it was found by a road by servicemen from RAF Marham have said it may have to have a leg amputated and an eye removed after it was shot four times.

Vets treating a cat after it was found by a road by servicemen from RAF Marham have said it may have to have a leg amputated and an eye removed after it was shot four times.

The male cat, thought to be a house cat due to its friendly nature, had been shot in the head and leg, it is thought by an air rifle.

It was found by a road near RAF Marham in west Norfolk on Wednesday by servicemen who thought it had been run over due to the extent of its injuries and taken to a branch of the Grove Veterinary Group in Swaffham.

Now the vets at the group are hoping to trace the owners of the pet, which is due to undergo surgery at their Fakenham branch.

It may need to have its eye removed and leg amputated, said vet Colin Houston.

One of the four shots was though its eye and another through its front leg, breaking the leg.

He said staff did not see injuries like this very often.

“It's really just the fact he's been shot,” he said. “You do see these things occasionally but it is still a shock to see cats that have been shot, especially with such severe injuries.

“He has nasty facial injuries and fractures and he's such a nice and friendly cat.

“He is likely going to need to have his eye out because it is beyond repair. And the injury to his front leg is so severe he is probably going to have to have it amputated.”

The RSPCA has been informed about the attack on the cat and is helping to fund its care.

Mr Houston said they really wanted to find its owner, otherwise they would have to look to rehome it.

“It probably has an owner out there.,” said Mr Houston. “It has been neutered and seems a really nice cat.”

Anyone who thinks the cat may be theirs or knows who the cat owners are should call the vets on 01328 862137.