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Staff at an animal rescue say they are in "complete disbelief" after one of their cats was shot with a rifle.
Severn Valley Rescue, in Billingsley near Bridgnorth, Shropshire, looks after more than 200 animals.
In a post on Facebook, the centre said one of its cats, Mr Star, went missing on Saturday and returned on Monday limping badly with a large infected open wound, and was taken to a vet.
"The remains of a bullet were found in Mr Star's shattered leg," they said.
"Not an air rifle. An actual rifle - the type you need a license for. A real weapon."
The rescue added that their vet was "astonished" that he was still alive.
Staff said that police were involved and Mr Star was awaiting a front leg amputation in the coming days, with his treatment costs running into "thousands of pounds".
A fundraiser was started to help with costs, and a spokesperson asked people to come forward with information.
"We are very rural, no close neighbours with arable land each side," they said.
"If anyone knows who may have been out shooting at Billingsley near Bridgnorth, on the 17th/18th July then please tell us or the police.
"Cuddle your cats tonight."
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