The cat was targeted on a Blacon street on June 26 and it follows the discovery earlier this year on the estate of a trap designed to injure animals .

PC Julian Thompson, of Chester Outer Neighbourhood Policing Unit, said: "The cat was taken to the local vet who discovered the pellet had smashed the animal's femur and had become lodged in the leg muscle.

"The level of damage to the cat's leg suggests this pellet was fired at close range or came from a high powered air rifle.

"The owner of the animal says the cat is quite timid and wary of strangers which means a close range is unlikely."

PC Thompson added: "I want everyone in the Blacon area to be vigilant and to be on the lookout for people with air rifles and other types of pellet guns. In the wrong hands these can be extremely dangerous.

"Fortunately the injured cat is expected to recover, but the next animal, or child, may not be so lucky."

Officers have been targeting people using this type of weapon and in recent weeks seized an air rifle from an address in Blacon.

Insp Ian Thorpe added: "The inappropriate use of air rifles and pellet guns in any form will not be tolerated and we will do everything in our power to take them off the streets and take action against those who misuse them.

"Too often they are viewed as toys, but the stark reality is that they are a form of firearm and have the potential to be extremely dangerous."

A cat died after being caught in a trap on a Blacon street in April. The animal had to be put down after every bone in its foot was broken.

* If you have any information about this incident, or any information about the use of pellet/air guns in Chester, contact PC Thompson on the message facility 0845 458 6375.