Fears are mounting among residents after at least eight cats from the Barresdale area have been reported missing over the last two months, with owners finding no trace of their whereabouts.

One resident from Upper Barresdale lost her black tom cat nearly a month ago. She said: "I thought he had gone out hunting but he never came back. It's really upsetting, they are people's pets, not just cats.

"About eight have gone missing from within the same area, it's not just a coincidence."

And she is worried the cats have been mistreated.

She said: "We have heard rumours that somebody has been shooting them. Our pets are loved and cared for, they aren't just animals.

"The point is, where are the bodies of these cats? We live across from fields and we have got dogs and they would have sniffed out the bodies and brought them back but they haven't.

"It has to be stopped."

A resident of Lower Barresdale said she saw a notice board full of missing cat posters when she inquired at her vets' surgery.

She said: "Even the vets are commenting on how many cats are going missing in the area. My daughter lost one cat one week and another the next. There's been nothing, no trace.

"My daughter had her cat for two years and another for 18 months – she's absolutely devastated.

"Both of them were chipped. It's heartbreaking.

"I know people think it's just a cat but they still have feelings and they still hurt.

"I just wish someone would tell us where they are, it's getting out of hand.

"I spoke to the RSPCA and they said they are going to keep an eye out."

And she added that she has heard reports of cats missing from other areas, with one cat being found in Beech Grove with its head smashed in.

A spokeswoman for the RSPCA said: "RSPCA inspectors have been made aware of this incident. We would ask anyone who knows, or who may have seen anything, to contact our 24-hour Cruelty and Advice Line immediately on 0300 123 4999.

"As far as the RSPCA is aware, there is no evidence to suggest a high number of cats are going missing in Barresdale. If, however, an owners cat does disappear, and they are concerned, we would urge them to contact the RSPCA.

"Owners are encouraged to get their pets microchipped to ensure they have the best chance of being reuinted with their animal if it becomes lost, is stolen or involved in an accident. For more information visit www.rspca.org.uk"