A four-year-old cat has survived being shot in the head with an air gun in Yateley, with a local animal welfare charity saying it has received reports of similar attacks in the area.

The stray, now named Henry, was found with a pellet lodged behind his ear in Yateley after being rescued by Cats Protection volunteers working in Hampshire and Surrey.

Vets successfully removed the pellet, and Henry is now recovering in foster care with Kim Gibson, team leader of the charity's Woking & District branch.

But the discovery has raised fresh concerns about attacks on cats and wildlife, with the charity calling for tougher laws governing air guns.

Henry the cat's shotgun pellet wound.
Henry the cat's shotgun pellet wound (Cats Protection)

“What happened to Henry is awful, but he isn’t alone in suffering,” Ms Gibson said.

“Since rescuing Henry, we’ve heard reports of other catapult and air gun attacks on wildlife and cats in the area, sadly resulting in severe injuries and even death.

“It highlights a widespread problem that won't go away without urgent government action.”

Henry was rescued as part of the charity's ongoing Trap, Neuter and Return programme, which helps manage stray and feral cat populations.

Cats Protection says media reports have identified at least 349 cats shot with air weapons over the past five years, with the vast majority of incidents occurring in England and Wales.

The charity fears the true number could be much higher because many cats injured or killed in attacks never return home.

The air gun pellet removed from Henry's head.
The air gun pellet removed from Henry's head. (Cats Protection)

Tom Taylor, Cats Protection's campaigns and advocacy officer, said: “The impact of air gun attacks is devastating, not only in terms of the horrific injuries inflicted on cats, but also the fear and distress it causes in the community.

“England and Wales are the only UK nations where anyone aged over 18 can buy, own, and use an air gun without a license. This makes it far too easy for these weapons to fall into the wrong hands, leaving countless cats like Henry exposed to cruel gun attacks.

“This figure of 349 is likely just the tip of the iceberg, as many cats who are shot will not make it home and their owners will never find out what happened to them.”

Cats Protection is calling on the Government to introduce mandatory air gun licensing in England and Wales, bringing the law into line with Scotland and Northern Ireland.

The charity says a UK-wide licensing system would help protect both animals and the public from attacks.

It is urging people to support its campaign by signing a petition calling for changes to the law.