New home for shot kitten from Avondale

Sharon Hunter with Valentine, who still has an air rifle pellet lodged in her skull. Photo / Chris Loufte

A Burmese kitten shot three times with an air rifle is off to start a new life in Australia after getting the all clear from her vet.

Nine-month-old Valentine faced an uncertain future after her owner, Avondale woman Sharon Hunter discovered a nasty wound near Valentine's left eye 10 days ago. X-rays revealed a shattered pellet around her eye, one on her spine and another on nerves in her skull.

Hunter told the Herald on Sunday last week she feared Valentie would have to be euthanised after vets said they weren't sure they could remove the pellet in her skull.

But Hunter had good news this week. Another visit to the vet had shown Valentine would be okay with the pellet remaining in place. "He said skin would grow over it and hold it in place," she said.

The kitten's eyesight is also unaffected.

Apart from wanting more affection than usual, Valentine was back to being her usual "happy, bouncy" self, Hunter said.

The operation to remove the third pellet would have cost thousands of dollars, and she had been stunned by the public support for Valentine's plight, including offers of financial help from about 20 people.

"I wouldn't ever take money, but I really appreciate the kindness of people."

Next week Hunter will move, as planned, to Sydney and Valentine will join her.

"If she can survive a shooting, she can survive Sydney."