A FAMILY have been left "devastated" after their beloved cat was shot and had to be put down at the weekend.

Lexi, a four-year-old white moggie, is one of two cats that have recently been shot with air weapons in York and put down because of their injuries.

Her owner Faye Eland, of Ashwood Glade, Haxby, said it is believed Lexi was shot with an air rifle.

Police have confirmed it happened near Ashwood Glade between 2.30pm and 4.30pm on Saturday.

Mrs Eland, who has two children, aged seven and ten, said she noticed something was wrong with Lexi when she returned home on Saturday.

Lexi was taken to the vets where it was confirmed she had been shot in the side, and this had perforated her bowel.

Mrs Eland explained: "The vets basically said we can operate and take the pellet out now. The problem was because it perforated her bowel we were not sure if she would come out of the operation and even then she might not have been fine after that. Putting her down seemed a fair decision to make.

"We were all devastated. The kids are really struggling to get their heads around it.

"I have lived in Haxby all my life and have never experienced anything like this."

She added: "We have had Lexi and her brother Jax since they were kittens. Lexi was a lovely tempered cat."

Police said another cat also had to be put down after vets discovered pellets in its body. The incident occurred near St Wilfrids Close, Strensall, overnight between Thursday and Friday last week.

A North Yorkshire Police spokesman said: "These are clearly very distressing incidents and our thoughts are with the owners of the cats. Inquiries have been carried out in both neighbourhood and people with information are urged to come forward to the police as soon as possible."

Phone North Yorkshire Police with information on 101, select option 2, and ask for Harl Pattison or email Harl.Pattison@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk.

Alternatively, phone Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

Quote reference number 12170208335 for the Haxby case and 12170207870 for the Strensall case.