AN air weapon user has wounded a second cat in Newport within a week.

In the latest attack, Julie Wagstaff's cat Elvis has had to have a third of his liver and part of his stomach removed after being shot in the bowel area.

Elvis was also hit by an airgun pellet last May and vets treating this latest injury say they found another, earlier, pellet wound.

Last week, the Argus reported how seven-year-old cat Felix was shot near his home in St Julian's.

Owner Suzanne Webber, 33, from Van Dyke Close, warned other cat and dog owners to be watchful after her cat was attacked last Sunday night.

Elvis' owner Ms Wagstaff, from Liswerry Road, says her two sons, aged 10 and six, have been crying themselves to sleep at night since Elvis was shot.

She said: "I heard the shot and Elvis cry out in pain.

"I have had to spend around £400 in vet bills and with my little boys playing in the garden I'm worried they could be hit next."

Ms Wagstaff, an English teacher at Coleg Gwent in Newport, said police noticed that an airgun pellet had been fired through the window of her summerhouse.

She said Elvis was hit last May by an pellet, which cost £100 in vet bills.

Vets this week noticed the other pellet wound in his stomach area when they examined him for the latest injury, meaning he has been targeted by an air weapon three times.

PC Keith Crowe, the Maindee police crime and disorder reduction officer, said: "We would ask pet owners to be vigilant.

"Anyone who knows someone is using an air rifle illegally should contact us in confidence."

Residents who know about the shootings can contact Maindee police on 01633 244999 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.