Lost pets lead to cat-nap concerns

Kimberly and Leanne Christie are concerned about the number of cats that have gone missing in the area, including theirs and those of their neighbours, like the one pictured in the poster.

Max Fleet

LEANNE Christie fears her neighbourhood has become a street of missing moggies, after three of her much-loved cats disappeared.

The animal lover said the most recent loss was last week, when her seven-month-old kitten Cougar vanished one afternoon — but her neighbours have also complained of disappearing pets.

“I’ve had three cats disappear in a year and my neighbours say they’ve lost two cats this year,” she said. “Another lady down the street lost her cat and there’s always posters up for missing cats.”

She said she knew of about eight cats that had vanished in recent months.

Due to the large number of missing animals, Miss Christie believes they are being deliberately caught and taken away.

“My cats were all real home-body cats, they never went far. But I don’t know why someone would take someone’s pet,” she said.

“It’s devastating. My niece (Kimberly, 4) used to cuddle up with the kitten and it would really brighten everyone’s day.”

RSPCA Bundaberg shelter manager Vicki Beer said it was not unusual for free-roaming cats to disappear.

“Any neighbour could have a cat trap in their yard and it’s quite within their rights to trap your animal if it comes on their property,” Ms Beer said. “They should bring (trapped cats) to the RSPCA or tell the council, but that doesn’t always happen.”

Ms Beer said there were also a lot of predators that targeted household cats, including foxes, dingoes and dogs.

“Also, cats can easily get hit by a car and disappear into the bushes to die,” Ms Beer said.

She said owners should ensure their cats had collars, were desexed and microchipped and kept inside — particularly at night.

Ms Beer said lost cats could be reported to the RSPCA on 4155 1736.

“We advise people to supply pictures of their cat as cats often look very similar,” she said.