Kentish Express Ashford & District
Distraught family appeal for help finding Smudge
A family say they are becoming increasingly worried about the fate of their cat Smudge who went missing two weeks ago.
Vanessa Franklin, of Hunter Close in Willesborough, said 12-year-old Smudge had become a trusted friend of the family, particularly for her autistic son Connor, 15.
She said that together with daughter Kayleigh, 19, they have handed out leaflets and posters around Willesborough and South Willesborough, and have put a poster in the window of their car.
Vanessa, 41, a care support worker, said: “We are all really worried and anxious, especially Connor, because having Smudge has been a consistent thing in his life.
“He is really quite sad about it and looks out of the window every morning to see if Smudge is sitting on the grass. He’s not your normal type of animal lover but he is attached to Smudge.
“My friend and I have been out nearly every single day searching for him. Some people have rung us to wish that he returns home safe, while others have rung up with possible sightings.
“We’ve put leaflets out around Willesborough, put a poster in ASDA, and posted on Facebook, so Smudge is becoming quite the celebrity.
“We have searched in South Willesborough and in wasteland near the market but with no joy. We just want him home safe and well, and just hope some kind person has taken him in and is feeding him.”
She said that normally Smudge is on patrol around Hunter Close at the bottom of Hunter Avenue, but fears he might have got lost after crossing the road.
She added: “We’ve been called out a few times, and one person said they saw the body of a cat lying by the side of the road but we didn’t find anything.
“We’ve asked the council and they’ve told us they haven’t found any dead cats either so that’s why we think there’s some hope.”
Smudge is black and white, with black fur like a moustache and beard.
If anyone has information about his whereabouts please contact nessa35@hotmail.co.uk or call 07788 216394.