Police are investigating after two cats were shot in the quiet village of Tobermory.
The attacks on Mull, which killed one of the animals and left the other with serious injuries, have taken place a month apart.
Both cats had the same owner, who has been left devastated by what has happened.
Fiona Henderson, of Rockfield, Tobermory, said: “Emre was our youngest cat, aged just two years old, when he was shot and killed in late November.
“He was an extremely affectionate cat, and would always roll over and start yapping for nothing more than attention when he saw you.
“The chilling verdict of the vet was that he was shot from close range, perhaps indicating that it was this affection that got him killed.
“Tobermory is an incredibly safe place, so this came as a massive shock.”
There was further heartbreak when her second cat, four-year-old Bear, was shot overnight between Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Mrs Henderson said: “Bear is is very affectionate. He is a huge character, and it’s hard to imagine the house without him, which is why it came as such a shock to see him in the awful state he was in on Christmas Day.
“To be perfectly honest, after giving him comfort, a blanket, water and food, we went to bed not knowing whether he would still be with us in the morning. It was difficult for us to know what to do, with the vets being off for Christmas.
“I guess it was hard to believe that, after the reaction caused by the original shooting, someone would be cruel enough to do it again. But, according to the vet, that is exactly what nearly killed our Bear at Christmas.
“Pets really are family, and when you’ve watched them grow from birth, learning to walk and play as we have done, it’s heartbreaking to see them suffer, or worse.”
A police spokesman said: “Police on the isle of Mull are carrying out inquiries after a report relating to a cat being found with serious injuries in the Rockfield Road area of Tobermory.
“The cat was seen to be injured on Wednesday December 25 and following subsequent veterinary examination, it is thought the cat has potentially been shot.
“Another cat was also found to have suffered similar injuries and died in the area in November 2019.
“Inquiries are ongoing into both incidents and anyone with information can contact police on 101 quoting incident 3885 of January 7.
“You can also call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
