The Christchurch SPCA is appealing for information after two pet cats were shot with an air rifle in the suburb of Hornby.
An SPCA spokeswoman said in a statement two cats from the same family have been shot in Ruakaka St in the past year.
The spokeswoman said the most recent shooting happened on Sunday.
"Both cats are loved pets from the same family and were lucky to survive their life-threatening injuries," she said.
In the most recent incident, the cat called Pipsy was found by her owner vomiting blood and in a state of "severe distress".
"She was disoriented and anxious, blue in colour, and howling in pain," the spokeswoman said.
Pipsy was rushed to the vet for x-rays which revealed there was an air rifle pellet sitting in her abdomen.
"Emergency surgery was performed on Pipsy, whose condition thankfully began to improve," said the SPCA spokeswoman.
"Pipsy has so far recovered remarkably well from her horrific ordeal, but is not yet out of the woods."
The SPCA believes Pipsy was shot deliberately.
"Shooting an animal and causing it suffering in this way is an offence under the Animal Welfare Act 1990," the spokeswoman said.
She said the SPCA was investigating and asked anyone with information to contact 03 349 7057.
