Willow, a long-haired black cat from Chalet Hill was lucky to escape alive when she was targeted near her home on January 26.
Her owners Steve Smith and Sarah Caplan were shocked by what had happened to their pet.
ÒWe let her out at about 7 pm and she was only gone about 40 minutes so she was targeted in a very short space of time,Ó said Mr Smith.
ÒSheÕs lucky to have escaped without needing major surgery. It has left us feeling angry and worried that it might happen again, either to our pet or someone elseÕs. Targeting pets in this way really beggars belief.Ó
The couple, who adopted Willow from the charity CatsÕ Protection six weeks ago, became concerned about their pet after they noticed blood on the floor and saw that Willow was panting and wanting to lie down.
A trip to the vet revealed that Willow had been shot in the side with an airgun, although the pellet was removed without the need for major surgery.
The attack follows a similar incident in Four Marks, near Alton, on December 15 when a cat had to have an eye removed after being shot in the face.
The RSPCA believes that low-powered air weapons are responsible for countless attacks on pets and wildlife.
The charity is supporting a private memberÕs bill, currently going through parliament, which is calling for the age at which people can be allowed unsupervised use of such weapons to be raised from 14 to 17.
A second reading of the bill is set for May 10.
The bill is also calling for the introduction of licensing which would require all airgun owners to have a certificate outlining the reasons for owning a gun and their competency in using the weapon.
RSPCA inspector Alan Browning, who is investigating the attack on Willow, said: ÒHorrific and unprovoked attacks like this illustrate why we are calling for a tightening of current legislation.
ÒWe believe airgun abuse is predominately a problem among young people and this bill provides the ideal opportunity to make sure children as young as 14 cannot use these potentially lethal weapons without supervision.Ó
The RSPCA investigated 780 airgun attacks on animals across England and Wales between September 2000/2001 although it believes this figure is just the tip of the iceberg.
Cats are the most common victims although swans and other wildlife are also commonly targeted.
p Anyone with any information about the shooting of Willow can contact the RSPCAÕs 24-hour confidential cruelty and advice line on 08705 555 999. Calls are charged at the national rate.