Milo the cat, described by co-owner Jill Herbert as a ‘‘tough cookie'', has been left fighting for his life after being shot in Wanaka on Sunday.
Ms Herbert said X-rays appeared to show a slug or pellet hit the seven-and-a-half-year-old chocolate Burmese in the right shoulder area.
The projectile has caused internal injuries and bleeding and on Sunday night there had been doubt Milo would survive.
Ms Herbert said Milo was in a critical condition on oxygen but was looking a ‘‘lot brighter'' yesterday.
The family pet, co-owned by Ms Herbert's 12-year-old daughter Amelia, was found injured in a section in Waimana Pl next door to the Herbert residence in Beacon Point Rd.
She did not believe Milo was capable of travelling far after being shot.
Wanaka Constable Deane Harbison said firearms could not be used in town.‘‘No matter what your thoughts are on cats, this act is an offence.
‘‘No-one should be shooting firearms near dwelling houses.''
