An appeal has been launched after a cat was shot dead in what has been described as a cruel and cowardly attack.

Two-year-old cat Isla was found collapsed and covered with blood underneath a car in Stockbridge Close in Clifton.

An X-ray revealed she had been shot in the stomach with an airgun.

The bengal cat had been let out by her owners the previous evening and about half an hour later a neighbour thinks she heard a gunshot.

Isla’s owner Sarah Graham said: “My partner found her under a car, she had tried to get herself home but didn’t make it. Initially we thought she had been attacked by a dog and were really shocked when we found out she had been shot.

“It’s so upsetting to think someone deliberately did this to her and that she must have suffered. I’ve got two other cats and I’m scared to let them out now.”

Following Isla’s discovery at 10.30am on Friday, July 11, the RSPCA launched an appeal this week.

RSPCA inspector Cherry Evans said: “This was a cruel and cowardly attack on a lovely cat, leaving her owners devastated. We want to hear from anyone who saw or heard anything which might help us find out who did this to Isla.

“Under the Animal Welfare Act, if someone is caught deliberately using an air weapon to injure an animal, they could face a £20,000 fine and/or up to six months in prison.”

Anyone with information about this attack can call the RSPCA inspectorate line on 0300 123 8018 and leave a message.