Warning after cat is targeted for breeding
OWNER SAYS HER SHAVED PET HAS BEEN LEFT ‘TRAUMATISED’
A WOMAN has spoken out to warn cat owners in Nottinghamshire after her pet was shaved to check to see if it had been neutered.
Sonia Eggleston, 43, says her ragdoll cat Bubba had the left side of his body shaved last by “sick individuals” who were targeting the animals for breeding.
The East Leake woman, who says she is not the only pet owner to report the incident, discovered the shaved fur after her daughter sent a picture with hair missing from the cat.
After posting about it on social media, she discovered “about five cats” who had been targeted in similar incidents, alongside a warning that it was being done to check for neutering scars.
She is warning other pet owners in the county to be vigilant and to look out for shaved patches on their cats.
“Obviously at the minute there’s a lot going on about dogs and puppies because the price of animals is ridiculous,” she told the Post.
“Even moggy cats are going for silly money, but Bubba is a ragdoll and all of the cats in the village are pedigree.
“It’s a money-making thing for these sick individuals.
“It’s very difficult because you can’t keep a cat in, but
I’ve never, ever heard of anything like it.
“It’s bizarre, strange and worrying, and more so because there are people like that driving around here.
“It’s happened here and on the other end of the village. They’re out to physically look for a cat with a clipper.”
The optical adviser added that her cat had been left “traumatised” by the incident, struggling to interact and “hiding away from us all”. She has been in contact with her local veterinary service Pinfold Vets, who described reports as “concerning”. Lorna Clark, of Pinfold Vets in East Leake, said: “We have seen reports going across social media of cats being shaven, and obviously it must be frightening and concerning for the owners.
“It’s hard to say whether it’s being done to check that they have been neutered and there could be a simple explanation for it.
“It could be down to hair loss, the cats could have been caught outside and someone could have shaved them, or it could be down to this.
“It is commonly the side where a scar would be if a cat has been neutered, but the majority of cats have had the procedure and thieves would have to check 200 cats before they find one that hasn’t.
“Pet owners obviously don’t like to
think people will be doing things to their pets while they are outside.
“The rise of animal thefts at the moment is concerning. Recently the price of puppies and cats has shot up online.
“It is a worry, and pet owners in the area should get in touch if they suspect anything.”
It comes as increased reports are made across the country of thieves stealing animals for breeding.
Nottinghamshire Police recently appointed a new dog theft lead in a bid to tackle the rising crime.
It’s a money-making thing for these sick individuals
Sonia Egglestone