Archie has lost his sight in one eye

The injured cat was discovered in a lane in Bakewell, Derbyshire.

His owner Yvonne Price said that when vets examined her pet they feared the worst.

"When I first saw him at the vet's I just burst into tears," said the 51-year-old.

"They told me it was touch-and-go, but then Archie is such a little fighter he just wouldn't let go."

Vets have managed to remove one pellet but the rest will have to remain in the cat's body.

Yvonne Price: "Archie is a little fighter"

The tabby has been left with severe nerve damage.

Vets first thought they might have to amputate a leg and remove his injured eye but that has now been ruled out.

"This is a despicable and sickening attack on a defenceless young cat," said RSPCA inspector John Preston.

"Archie has just been used for target practice."

The police and the RSPCA are trying to trace the attacker.