A fluffy pet cat has had extensive surgery after being shot in Stevenage on Monday, much to the distress of his owners.

The Comet: Gemma Lutt found Bruce looking very unwell and took him to the vet, who discovered the cat had been shot. Picture: Reece LuttGemma Lutt found Bruce looking very unwell and took him to the vet, who discovered the cat had been shot. Picture: Reece Lutt (Image: Archant)

Gemma Lutt said she was traumatised when her cat Bruce came home in a lot of pain, and was throwing up blood at their house in Lingfield Road.

After taking him to the vet, it was discovered that Bruce had been shot with an air rifle or a .177 calibre handgun.

Gemma told the Comet: “I could hear Bruce meowing outside, so I opened the door and he could hardly walk, so I picked him up.

“At first I thought he had been hit by a car – there were no marks on him or anything.

The Comet: Bruce is now at home following surgery, but he still not quite in the clear. Picture: Reece LuttBruce is now at home following surgery, but he still not quite in the clear. Picture: Reece Lutt (Image: Archant)

“He was in really bad pain and I rushed him to the vet. It was awful, I was traumatised. When the vet said he had been shot I was gobsmacked, I couldn’t believe someone would do that. Why would you shoot a cat, someone’s pet? I was absolutely distraught.”

Bruce underwent surgery after the pellet went through his kidney, intenstine and into his bowels. Vets were concerned that faeces could enter his stomach.

Gemma continued: “It took them a while to find the entry wound, because he’s so fluffy. They stiched him up and we’ve just got to take it day by day. He still might have to have his kidney removed.

“I just want people to be aware that it’s such an awful thing to happen to anyone. Some people might think it’s just to scare the cat away, but it could have killed him.

The Comet: Vets retrieved the bullet, and Bruce had to go through extensive surgery. Picture: Reece LuttVets retrieved the bullet, and Bruce had to go through extensive surgery. Picture: Reece Lutt (Image: Archant)

“If he does get better, I won’t want to let him out. I’m terrfied about it happening again. Part of me thinks it’s somebody in our neighbourhood because he couldn’t have walked far from where it happened. It’s got to be somebody in close proximity.

“The vet thinks it was someone from a window because of the way the bullet has gone through his body and if it was at closer range it would have come out the other side.”

Gemma’s husband Reece added: “He’s not just your average cat. He’s so loving and goes up to everyone surrendering himself for a fuss.

“I just want someone arrested for a firearm offence. This time it was our cat, but next time it could be a kid.”

Police are investigating Bruce’s shooting, which happened in the vicinity of Lingfield Road between 7.30am and 10am on Monday. Anyone with information should contact police on 101 quoting reference ISR 440 of June 18.