A CAT shot in the head with an arrow has died.

media_camera The cat was shot through the head with an arrow. Picture: Top End Rehoming

The three-year-old male was found stuck in a staircase at Coconut Grove on Friday night.

The Top End Rehoming group was notified, who took it to The Ark Animal Hospital in Palmerston about 9pm.

Vet Marie Montgomery-Quin told the NT News the arrow was lodged at the back of its jaw.

“It had severed the base of the tongue,’’ she said.

Ms Montgomery-Quin managed to remove the arrow from the cat in surgery, but it died shortly after because of hemorrhaging.

“We tried to clear the air way but had no luck,’’ she said.

Ms Montgomery-Quin said she had “no idea” why anyone would do such a thing to an animal.

Top End Rehoming used its Facebook page to warn cat owners in the Northern Suburbs.

“Sorry for the horrific photos but this is a horrific act,’’ the website read.

“If you, or anybody you know, knows of who might be doing this please contact the police and let us know as well.

“Not only is this a prosecutable offence but these cats will be dying a long and agonising death.”