A PET cat is lucky to be alive after being shot in the neck with an air rifle.

Black and white Ernie was rushed to a vet after his owner spotted a pellet wound when the animal returned home.

The RSPCA is now appealing for information about the incident, which happened in the Steyning area.

Vets were able to remove the pellet from two-year-old Ernie’s neck and he is now recovering at his home in Chanctonbury Ring Road, Wiston.

Owner Ben Foord, 31, a plumber, said:”The vet said he was really lucky because the pellet did not go in too deeply.

“He is fine now but it could have been a lot more serious.

“He is a friendly, lovely cat. Although he is a little bit cautious with strangers, he might approach if they tried to encourage him to come over.

“I just want to warn people about this happening and let the RSPCA and police know if they are aware of any similar incidents in the area.”

Mr Foord and his wife Hannah, 31, have only had Ernie for about three months.

They got him from a rescue centre along with a ginger and white cat called Bert.

Mr Foord said: “We live in a rural area and they do go out and about although Ernie is the more adventurous. However he may be better off sticking closer to home for a while.”

RSPCA inspector Kate Barnes said: “This is a very concerning incident and is extremely traumatic for both Ernie and his owner.

“At the moment we know very little about when and why this has happened, and who shot poor Ernie. We urge anybody with any information to come forward."

She added: “Ernie must have suffered terribly but in some ways he had a lucky escape. Many cats shot in this way are fatally wounded and do not survive.”

Anyone with further information about the incident, which happened on July 21, should call the RSPCA inspector appeal line on 0300 123 8018.