Stowaway cat’s trip to Tyneside

Reporter A GINGER cat got on a coach without a ticket to ride – and ended up a long way from home.

The charity Cats Protection was handed the two-year-old – named ‘Wendall’ by his carers – after the vehicle had travelled 90 miles from Pickering, North Yorkshire, to Newcastle.

The loveable tomcat was discovered at the end of the vehicle’s journey on March 15.

But it is unclear where he boarded as the coach travelled via Leeming Bar.

It was undergoing maintenance work so was not being used by any other passengers.

He was spotted in Newcastle, then taken to Cats Protection’s Gildersome Homing Centre in Leeds, where he has been checked over by a vet.

The cat is believed to be around two years old, and is in good condition despite his travels.

“We are appealing far and wide in the hope that Wendall’s original owners see this plea and come forward,” said Catherine Hubbard, Gildersome deputy manager.

“If we haven’t heard from them by March 29, we will be looking to rehome Wendall, so we really do urge anyone who recognises him to get in touch.

“As he was not microchipped, we have no way of tracing his owners.

“His fur was slightly matted when he came into care but he welcomed a brush with open paws.

“He has a lovely temperament and is so sweet-natured, which makes us think he must have a loving owner out there somewhere wondering where he is.”

The charity stressed the importance of microchipping, which offers a permanent method of identification and increases the chances of a lost feline being safely reunited with its owner.

Anyone with information can contact Gildersome on 03000 121 505.