Shy 21-month-old tom Willow is lucky to be alive after – for the first time – he wandered out of the safety of his garden at Newtoft Street, Gilmerton, where he had been playing with brother Inigo.

He was discovered in agony on Wednesday, June 17, more than a week after he went missing, on the grass verge of a road near Mount Lothian Farm.

Willow's injuries were so severe, the person who found him told the Scottish SPCA they thought he had been in a road accident.

The traumatised tabby was rushed to the Lamond Veterinary Clinic in Livingston, where x-rays revealed he had been shot 11 times at close range.

Pellets were lodged in his face, chest and legs – and it is believed he must have been pinned or tied down to stop him escaping the attack.

It is thought Willow, now beginning a lengthy recuperation at home, may have been taken to Howgate, near Penicuik, by car.

Scottish SPCA Inspector Heather Lawson said: "We have not yet received any information that will assist us in our investigation of this cruel airgun attack on a defenceless cat. We are urging anyone with information to contact our animal helpline now on 03000 999 999.

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