By Faye Mayern via SWNS
A rescue cat who was thought to have a snotty nose had to undergo a $2,640 operation – after an air gun pellet was found lodged in his gum.
Butler, 10, was given to Cats Protection in April after his previous owner could no longer keep him and was suffering from a runny nose.
His new carers were shocked to find he had an air gun pellet lodged above his upper tooth and small fragments suggested he had been shot some time ago.
The black and white cat’s wound had healed over the pellet in his gums and he had discharge coming from his left nostril as well as gum disease.
Butler underwent a “complex operation to remove the pellet which also saw two teeth extracted after care from the charity in Downham Market, Norfolk.
Deputy center manager Stacey Ely said: “It was heartbreaking to learn that Butler had been the victim of a gunshot and to think someone may have deliberately targeted a defenseless cat.
“Butler’s true personality came out after his recovery and he became an affectionate cat who loved a fuss.
“He has thankfully been adopted by a lovely new owner who has already fallen in love with him.”
Butler’s shooting is not an isolated case and the Cat Protection said reports show more than 550 cats in the UK have been shot with an airgun in the last five years.
The charity are asking for kind-hearted cat lovers to help contribute towards the unexpected $2,640 bill.
