Cat thief may be behind pedigrees’ disappearance
February 1st, 2008 Posted in Pet Pictures
The cats - including Abyssinian, Balinese, ocicat, British blue and Siamese - went missing in the leadup to Christmas.
One had since been recovered but Central Vet Hospital spokeswoman Ann Rolinson said potential catnappings were disturbing.
It seems incredibly suspect with six cats going missing over three weeks, she said. People could steal them and put them on Trade Me.
Pedigree kittens with official papers attract bids of up to $500 on the Internet auction site and can sell for $800 at pet stores.
Wellington SPCA veterinary manager Robert Bird said the disappearance of the cats was very suspicious and unusual.
It was possible they had been killed by a cat-hating person, or had been mauled to death by a dog, with the carcasses being surreptitiously buried by the dogs owner.
These scenarios would be more common than catnapping.
Criminal analyst Stephen Harris, of Wellington police, was unaware of the disappearances. There was nothing like that which we were aware of.
Vets and the SPCA urge owners to have their cats microchipped so proof of ownership can be established. Microchipping costs about $75 and allows the pet to be included on the New Zealand Companion Animal register.
Pet experts recommend owners advise vet clinics about lost pets, advertise lost pets on the website petsonthenet, distribute fliers, and have neighbours search garden sheds and garages.
THE HIT LIST
* ABYSSINIAN
The breed is believed to have originated in Britain, where cat fanciers produced a group of cats they called Abyssinian. Some people, however, believe the cats come from ancient Egypt.
To buy from a breeder %26ndash; up to $550
* BALINESE
A long-haired oriental cat with Siamese- style markings. They are extremely intelligent cats, though less talkative than their Siamese ancestors. The cats are either apple-headed or have a more contemporary appearance.
To buy from a breeder %26ndash; up to $450
* BRITISH BLUE
One of a breed known as British shorthair cats which were taken to Britain by the Romans. The cats then bred with wild native cats, and were later crossbred with Persian cats to improve coat thickness. The breed is muscular with short legs.
To buy from breeder %26ndash; up to $500. From a pet shop %26ndash; up to $800
* OCICAT
A new breed of cat, it dates back to 1964. It has spots resembling a wild cat and is named after the similarly marked ocelot. The cats are a mixture of Siamese, Abyssinian and American shorthairs.
To buy from breeder %26ndash; up to $675
* SIAMESE
One of the first distinctly recognised breeds of oriental cat. It probably originated in Southeast Asia and is thought to have descended from sacred temple cats of Siam (now Thailand).
To buy from a breeder %26ndash; up to $450
Related posts
Tags: ash, cats, dogs, fliers, hair cat, kitten, kittens, Pet, pet experts, pet shop, pet store, pets, sap, spca, spokeswoman, vet, vets
