A GRANDMOTHER has been left “completely broken” after her cat was “shockingly” shot and killed in Westcliff.

Hollie Brookes, 25, has put out a warning to others after her nan’s cat, Polly, was shot on Monday.

It is unclear what weapon was used to shoot the cat, but it is believed to have been a BB gun or an air rifle. 

Her nan, who asked to remain anonymous, has been left completely broken after losing “her companion”.

Hollie said how Polly was a happy, and healthy three-year-old cat, who meant everything to her nan after she had recently lost her son, Hollie’s dad.

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The cat was found injured on Monday; after being taken to the vet a bullet was discovered inside of Polly, and she is believed to have been shot by an air rifle.

Hollie said: “Polly never wondered far from home, you would always see her coming and going throughout the day.

“On Sunday she didn’t come in and just after midnight my nan was so worried she went outside looking for her.

“She found her sleeping on a blanket in the shed, and when she picked her up Polly started crying, and my nan knew something was wrong.

“She was taken to the vet where she was X-rayed and found that she had been shot.

“Her body was already going into shock, and the vets tried to stabilize her before carrying out surgery.

“She remained critical, and we were told she had been shot in her abdomen and her bowel had been damaged in two places.

“We then go the call from the vets, that they didn’t think she is going to make it, so my nan went to see her, and Polly sadly then passed away.”

It is believed the incident occurred somewhere between Bruton Avenue, and Cheddar Avenue.

Hollie couldn’t understand why anyone would do this to a “harmless, defenceless animal”.

“Polly wasn’t just her cat, she was family, and she was very much loved.

“She has helped my nan to keep going after losing her son, and so to lose Polly in such an awful and shocking has completely broken her.

“This isn’t just a cat; this is my nan’s companion, and she was loved dearly.

“How can anyone do this, to shoot a harmless, defenceless animal?

“I just want to warn other people in the area.”