A CAT was blinded and left with a gaping hole in its head by a ball bearing shot from a powerful catapult.

Fluffy was found covered in blood on a garden wall by his heartbroken owner.

He was taken to the vet who removed a missile that was bigger than a marble from his skull.

Owner Jeanette Young, 40, of King Lane, Pelton, near Chester-le-Street, is warning people how dangerous the catapults are.

She said: "When he turned around it was like scene from The Terminator because it had gone right into his eye.

"I don't how he managed to get home because it was so severe."

Mrs Young blasted those responsible as sick. She said: "I don't understand how anyone could do this.

"The police said it looked like he had been held down so they could shoot him because of the angle.

"It makes me sick to the stomach."

Fluffy has been taken to the vets six times for operations since the incident on June 22.

The ball bearing has been removed, the wound has been stitched and is now healing up.

Mrs Young said Fluffy is now getting back to his playful self.

Police are investigating the incident. A spokesman said: "Clearly, using such a weapon is dangerous and irresponsible and in this case has caused unnecessary suffering to the injured animal.

"Our concern is that if it is being used on an animal, a member of the public could be the next victim, possibly with more serious consequences."

Anyone who has any information is asked to contact Chester-le-Street Police on (0191) 388 4311.