The RSPCA is warning cat owners to be extra-vigilant this summer after new figures suggest felines are being increasingly targeted in deliberate weapon attacks - with the nation's wildlife also in the firing line.  

New data from the animal charity reveals that the number of cats shot with an air gun, catapult/slingshot, or crossbow has more than doubled in the first six months of this year compared to the same period in 2023.

The warning comes as the RSPCA's summer campaign continues to raise vital funds supporting the charity’s work to tackle animal cruelty.

A tabby in Nottinghamshire recently lost an eye and was left with life-changing injuries after being shot twice with an air gun.

Overall, there has also been a 23% year-on-year increase in the total number of animals targeted by weapons, up from 300 in 2022 to 370 last year. 

Crossbows are the weapon which has seen the biggest increase in its use in attacks, with 11 incidents in 2023, compared to seven in 2022. Catapult/slingshot incidents also show an upward trend (27 to 28).

The charity’s data reveals that between 2020 and 2023, there have been a total of 896 incidents reported to the RSPCA involving weapons affecting all types of animals.

Counties with the highest number of incidents over that four year period include Kent (61), Greater London (52), West Midlands and Merseyside (36 each) and Nottinghamshire and Essex (32 each).

RSPCA Lead Wildlife Officer Geoff Edmond said:  “These weapon attacks are horrific, but what we see is likely only the tip of the iceberg.

“It is unspeakably cruel and totally unacceptable to shoot animals for ‘fun’ like this - or to harm them for target practice, but sadly we receive nearly 200 reports every year.

“While most people will be appalled by attacking animals in this way, sadly the RSPCA’s experience shows that there are people out there who are deliberately targeting wildlife, pets and farm animals with guns, catapults and crossbows. These weapons cause horrific pain and suffering.

“But we are doing all we can to change things.  As more and more police forces are seeing worrying levels of weapons-related incidents, we are helping to develop Operation Lakeshot, a police-led partnership initiative initially established by Essex Police and the Metropolitan Police, which aims to tackle these worrying crimes against wildlife."

Between 2022 and 2023, wild birds bore the brunt of weapon attacks, with numbers increasing from 190 to 214. Attacks on dogs also increased from 11 to 30 and from six to 32 for farm animals.