CATS are becoming greater victims of airguns, according to a new study.

One-third of felines across the south have been the victim of a shooting in the past year.

Now vets across the country have revealed they are concerned for the welfare of their patients with the national study also revealing four in ten British cats were wounded by a pellet.

These figures come from the British Veterinary Association (BVA) and the charity Cats Protection is calling for a clamp down on licensing the weapons.

It comes as the BVA launches a general election campaign with a manifesto demanding better enforcement of animal welfare legislation.

During the survey British vets spoke of their horror at seeing animals die because of their wounds, having treated them for fractured limbs that had to be amputated and the removal of a cat’s eye after the pellet hit their head.

John Blackwell, BVA president, said: “These findings are distressing for both owners and vets. The frustration of many BVA members who work in small animal practice is clear.

“Anyone using an airgun, whether they are an adult or child, should be aware of the very serious injuries these weapons inflict and parents should act responsibly when allowing any young person to use or possess an airgun.

“This survey demonstrates the dreadful suffering that can be inflicted on animals when these weapons are used in the wrong hands, without careful and proper supervision.

“It is blatantly wrong to shoot indiscriminately at cats in this way. We urge people to take action where they can and ask all parents to think very carefully about the consequences of allowing their children access to a weapon that can kill someone’s pet and inflict serious injury on animals and humans alike.”