The tabby, Leo, is understood to have suffered cigarette burns to his ears and had his tail set on fire on Sunday in Neilston.

Leo’s owner Pauline Shields described him as a ‘gorgeous, adorable and completely innocent wee boy’.

Cats Protection Giffnock & District Branch urged residents in the Glen Avenue and Madras Park area of the town to stay vigilant.

Speaking to Barrhead News they said: “Please be vigilant if you stay in the Glen Ave, Madras Park, area of Neilston.

"Former branch cat Leo was attacked on Sunday by someone and injured, there is a good chance he may lose his tail.

“He also has cigarette burns to his ears.”

Scottish SPCA chief superintendent Mike Flynn added: “Thankfully the majority of Scots regard cruelty towards animals as unacceptable and unthinkable, but there is a minority of people out there who think it's acceptable to treat cats in particular very maliciously.

"Because of their free roaming nature, cats are often subjected to cruelty and ill-treatment at the hands of complete strangers.

"We encourage anyone who has any information regarding the incident to call our animal helpline on 03000 999 999 and we hope Leo the cat makes a full recovery."