One of the world’s oldest cats is shot dead by yobs at the age of 25! (118 in human years)

A pet owner has been left devastated after one of the world’s oldest cats was shot dead by cruel teenage yobs – at the age of 25.

Granddad Brian Parker, 67, was left distraught when callous thugs targeted his beloved tabby called Mummy Cat, who was 118 in human years.

The family had confronted teenagers wielding air rifles, who claimed they were out shooting rabbits, moments before the puss was gunned down on May 26.

The heartless yobs turned their weapons on Mummy Cat and shot her twice at close range – once in the abdomen and once in her face causing her to lose an eye.

Brian rushed the old moggy to the vets who told him the facial bullet was sitting too close to her brain so she would have to be put down.

Today (Mon), the dad-of-four, who lives in Hindlip, Worcs., blasted the evil teenagers for shooting his pet, who was on course to break the record for the world’s oldest cat.

Mummy Cat pictured alive and well. Mummy Cat, who was shot dead by a pellet gun just outside a property next to the canal (SWNS) — Pictured alive and well. Mummy Cat, who was shot dead by a pellet gun just outside a property next to the canal (SWNS)

He said: “She was so fit and healthy and she would have gone on for plenty of years, I’m sure of that.

“I don’t understand how people could shoot a cat that does not harm anyone.

“It is disgusting. She was very friendly, she always wanted attention.

“It’s an awful thing to happen to a cat who would just stretch out in the conservatory or sit outside watching the world go by.

“She was very active despite her age and loved to play.

“The worst thing is you can’t really do anything about it. If you got hold of the thugs who did it and gave them a good hiding you would get arrested.

“In the last few weeks I have heard of a number of people with air guns in public.

“We are right by the canal and you get lots of families with young children around who don’t want to see people carrying guns.”

Brian Parker 67, whose cat, age 25, was shot dead using a pellet gun just outside his property next to the canal (SWNS)

Brian, who works as a lock keeper for the Canal and River Trust, said Mummy Cat had kittens with her when she turned up at the family’s home as a stray 25 years ago.

The granddad-of-one added: “She was a tabby cat and she had really big feet and had about 10 toes.

“Mummy Cat was on course to be the oldest cat in the world and it is sad that her life was ended in that barbaric way.”

Brian’s daughter Laura Webb, 30, said Mummy Cat was so friendly that she could have gone up to greet her evil attackers.

She added: “My brother had been with the cat minutes before, getting her to play chase with a long strand of grass and fussing her.

“He went into the house for a few minutes.

“He then saw someone wielding an air rifle, crouching and stalking something right in front of the house.

“My brother confronted him and told him he could not have an air rifle out in public.

“The teen said he was just shooting rabbits and ran off to his friends.

“A few minutes later our cat ran into the house bleeding.

“She was 25 and a really lovely, friendly cat who spent her time basking in the sun and greeting passing boaters.

“She was so friendly. She probably went to greet her attacker.

“The family and all who knew her are heartbroken, not only by the loss, but by the fact that it occurred as a result of an unnecessary evil attack.”

Shooting targets found near Brian's property (SWNS) — Shooting targets found near Brian’s property (SWNS)

The savage attack comes just days after research by Cats Protection revealed 44 per cent of vets have treated cats who have been victims of air weapons in the last year.

A spokesperson for the cat welfare charity said: “We’re very sorry to hear of the death of Mummy Cat and would like to express our sympathies to her owner.

“The report we have heard suggesting that she was shot twice at close range is extremely upsetting and we would urge anyone with any information to please contact the RSPCA or the police.

“It is vital that we do all that can to ensure wicked cats like this do not go unpunished.”

West Mercia Police confirmed officers were investigation the incident but said no arrests have been made.

A spokesperson for the force added: “We were called to reports that a pet cat appeared to have been shot in the face with an air rifle.

“Sadly the cat was injured and needed to be put to sleep.

“Following a number of lines of enquiry, no arrests have been made at this time.

“West Mercia Police does not tolerate animal cruelty.”