A hapless pet cat survived being pierced in the head with a harpoon by cruel attackers.

The two-year-old tuxedo cat named Funo was found by its owner with the spear shot through the left side of its head in Nakhon Phanom province, Thailand, at 5 am on November 22.

The sharp object had entered the poor feline's skull and emerged near its neck - narrowly missing its brain and spinal chord.

The moggie's shocked fur mum rushed her pet to the police station for help but was advised to go to a veterinarian for the cat's surgery.

It took six hours before Fun-o finally underwent X-ray scans at an animal clinic at 11 am. The results showed that the harpoon had come 'dangerously close to piercing its brain'.

Doctors were able to safely remove the metal projectile.

Relieved owner Fon Thongchai said: 'I am so relieved that my pet cat Funo is safe. He could easily have been killed but he is very lucky. He is part of our family.'

Fun-o was conscious and recovering from the injury. However, it would need to stay for a week at the vet to monitor possible complications from the rusty harpoon.

The owner added: 'I have no idea who could have shot my cat with the harpoon. I understand not everyone likes cats, but there is no need to hurt them like this.'

Police are investigating who shot Funo but have yet to find a suspect.