This is the terrifying moment a large python slithered into a house and lunged at the family's pet cats.

CCTV footage shows the reptile squaring off against the felines then lunging at them as they sat next to the house's fence in Bangkok, Thailand, on August 23. The attack sent the moggies jumping around in panic, with the snake seen retreating into the wilderness.

It returned on August 28 to terrorise the cats once more, but was unable to catch any of them to eat.

The homeowner said recent rains had likely caused the python to emerge from the nearby undergrowth. The residents have since sealed off the gaps in their fence through which the snake could enter.

Sprawling concrete jungle Bangkok has seen a surge in the numbers of pythons in recent years. Urban development on land that was previously the home of snakes has lead to reptiles coming into contact with humans. They also have an endless food supply from bins, rats and pets.

As a specied, the reticulated python is found throughout Southeast Asia, where they live in forests, swamps, canals and even in cities, causing them to come into conflict with humans. The species is one of the world's largest snakes and can eat humans, cats, dogs, birds, rats and other snakes.