A PREGNANT cat has had a lucky escape after being shot through the chest.

Coco, a four-year-old Siamese cream and brown cat, was found by her owners.

Brian Moore, 31, from Lea Road, Wyke Regis, said the first thing he saw was a blood smear on his landing.

He said: "When we saw it we thought that she had rejected the kittens or she was actually giving birth.

"We found her on the sofa in the living room, and when I lifted her I saw a hole in her side with blood pouring out. There was an identical hole on the other side with more blood seeping out.

"We rushed her to the vets straight away and they gave her some injections to stop the shock and said they would have to keep her in over the weekend to keep an eye on her."

Veterinary nurse Simone Sharp of the Moorcroft Veterinary Practice in Dorchester Road, Weymouth, said that Coco was very lucky as the pellet appeared to have missed her vital organs although it may have grazed her lungs.

She added that an X-ray revealed that the kittens were fine.

Mr Moore said that he now feared that the shooting may not prove to be an isolated incident. He said: "A couple of hours before we found Coco a few girls came round to the house asking if we had seen their cat, which was missing.

"There are also notices up in Wyke Square about another missing cat. It could just be a coincidence, or someone could be going round shooting cats in the area.

"The pellet that passed through Coco was a hunting pellet, probably from a .22 air rifle. Whereas other pellets spread out when they hit bone, this one went straight through.

"Coco is a very affectionate pet when she is pregnant, and the whole thing has upset our seven-year-old son Jay who dotes on her. The whole incident has made me really angry, and I hate to think what I would do if I found out who was responsible for this."

Sergeant John Osborne of West Weymouth police said: "We are very concerned and are appealing for anyone with information to contact us on 01305 222222."