Two cats needed emergency surgery and one nearly died after being shot with an airgun in separate ‘shocking’ attacks.

It is the second time Cleo, a four year-old black and white cat, has been shot near her home in the Mitcham Common area.

Wimbledon Times:

Cleo in hospital 

An 11 month-old ginger kitten called Ninja who lives just over a mile away from Cleo, was admitted to the Blue Cross Hospital in the same week after he was also shot with an air gun and needed surgery.

Wimbledon Times:

Ginger Ninja recovering after being shot 

Both moggies are recovering well at home after their ordeal last month.

Cleo’s owner Elizabeth Partlett noticed she was not her usual self and took her to see a vet at Blue Cross Animal Hospital in Merton High Street, Wimbledon.

X-rays showed an air gun pellet had perforated her intestines and she needed emergency surgery so she was taken to the centre in Victoria. Her internal injuries were very serious and she nearly died.

Cleo was also hit by an air gun pellet in June 2013 and required surgery.

Ms Partlett said: "I was in total shock when the vets told me Cleo had been shot again.

"She doesn’t wander off very far and I don’t know who it could be or who could have done such a thing.

"She is much better but desperate to be outside. I’m scared to let her out of my sight in case she gets hurt again."

Cleo was kept in hospital for several days and has now been given the all-clear, as has Ninja.

Mark Bossley, chief vet at Blue Cross Victoria said: "Cleo had very serious internal injuries when she was admitted to the hospital. It was shocking to admit two cats in the same week who had been shot and hope we don’t see any more."

Blue Cross cares for over 40,000 sick, injured and homeless pets every year.

To find out more about the charity’s work or to make a donation visit www.bluecross.org.uk or contact 0300 790 990.