A stray cat was blinded and left with multiple pellets embedded in his skull and body after an horrific air gun attack.

X-ray images of two-year-old Billy show numerous pellets peppered throughout his body and at least four in his head.

The black-and-white cat was discovered close to death on the streets nearly six weeks ago.

He is now being cared for at Cats Protection’s national adoption centre near Haywards Heath.

Centre veterinary officer Nathalie Dowgray said it was a miracle Billy had survived with such appalling wounds.

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She said: “When Billy was found he had very serious injuries – to his head in particular - and as a result he is totally blind in one eye and may only be able to see shadows with the other.

“He was severely dehydrated and wouldn't have survived for more than a day or two if he wasn’t treated straight away.

“He had so many puncture wounds it was at first assumed he had been attacked by another animal but when we looked at his X-rays we could see his whole body and head were literally peppered with airgun pellets.

“We can see four quite clearly embedded into his skull. It is remarkable he survived the attack and he must have been in agony for a number of days before he was found and taken to a vet.”

Mrs Dowgray added: “This was a disgusting and inexcusable act of mindless cruelty inflicted on a defenceless animal. No creature deserves to be put through the agony that Billy went through during and after this attack.

“I have no idea why someone would want to do this, but the sad fact is someone may have thought it was fun to take an air gun and fire shots at a cat who is unable to defend itself.

“I would appeal to anyone with any information to contact the RSPCA as we need to make sure no other pet or animal goes through what poor Billy has.”

Anyone with information about how Billy sustained the injuries is being asked to contact the RSPCA on 01825 741330.