A TOUGH little cat who found his way home after being shot at close range with an air rifle has made a remarkable recovery.

Two-year-old Mitchell’s injuries were so severe that vets suggested putting the much-loved pet to sleep, but his devoted owner would not give up on him while there was still hope.

Police believe Mitchell was shot near his home at Aycliffe Village, near Newton Aycliffe, between Saturday, July 27, and the following morning.

The air pellet went straight through him and ruptured three sections of his intestines.

His owner, Vicky Kennedy, was away at a family wedding at the time and was horrified by the sight that greeted her when she returned home.

“We opened the back door and there he was,” she said. “I was horrified and felt so angry that anyone could do this to an animal. Mitchell is such a friendly, loving and trusting cat, which makes it even worse.”

Mitchell was rushed straight to the vets and Ms Kennedy, 35, was warned there was a chance he may not survive surgery or could develop septicaemia at a later stage.

However, with youth on his side, the brave little cat pulled through his three hour operation and is now recovering at home.

“The vets have been surprised by how well he is doing,” said Ms Kennedy. “He is desperate to get back outside but we will be keeping him inside for a while.

“We have two other cats and we are scared to let them out in case it happens again.”

PC Tracey Henderson of Newton Aycliffe neighbourhood police team, urged anyone who witnessed the shooting to come forward.

“Mitchell has definitely been shot deliberately and at close range,” she said. “Whoever was responsible would have had to have been right up close for the air pellet to pass straight through him.

“This was a cruel act and his owners are understandably angry and upset.”

The family has thanked Wilson Veterinary Group, in Newton Aycliffe, for saving Mitchell's life.

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800-555-111.