3 September 2008

A pet has stunned his owners by turning-up at the family's Scottish home with an 18-inch arrow lodged in his abdomen.

Mark Richardson, owner of Marmite, told how the injured moggie had been seen the day before his return home with the arrow piercing him.

Unfortunately, Mr Richardson was unable to catch his pet and he feared that the animal would die.

Upon his miraculous return, Marmite underwent surgery to remove the aluminium arrow and medical professionals have reported that he is recovering well.

The arrow pierced the pet above his right paw and narrowly missed his spine and internal organs.

Mr Richardson is unsure at this stage if his pet got the injuries through an accident or a deliberate attack.

"We don't know if someone has been firing in the woods and accidentally hit the cat but they should not be doing that as they could easily hit a child," he said.

"If it is malicious then it is really sad and hopefully the police will catch whoever is responsible."

Elsewhere a Sussex cat that received injuries after being shot in the eye is expected to make a full recovery.