Sundance's tail was amputated because of the attack

The black-and-white cat, nicknamed Sundance, had a broken toe and an infected tail when he was discovered by police in Plymouth on Boxing Day.

Airgun pellets were found in his left shoulder and his rotting tail had to be amputated, but Sundance has recovered enough to be re-homed.

The RSPCA said Sundance was "very lucky to be alive".

Jackie Mayling, the animal charity's Plymouth branch spokeswoman, said: "His tail had obviously been very badly infected for some time.

"If he had been found any later, he might well have died from blood poisoning."