Alarm over mystery 'cat shaver' attacking Cotswold pets

Residents have reported their cats coming home with patches of fur missing since December

The RSPCA said the process can leave cats distressed (Getty)

As the hunt continues for the “Croydon Cat Killer” pet owners in Gloucestershire have raised the alarm over a mysterious feline “shaver”.

Pets have been arriving home near Stroud missing patches of fur since before Christmas, with some cats appearing to be attacked several times.

Owners living the picturesque Gloucestershire town of Minchinhampton say their cats, Beau and Treacle, most recently arrived home with bald patches on Monday.

“This is the fourth time it has happened now,” John Kerry told the Stroud News and Journal.

“It’s ridiculous. Who would go around doing this kind of thing?

“I’m sure it’s taking a real toll on the cat now, the poor thing must be traumatised.”

Another affected owner, Mandy Felton, said her cat had been shaved three times and called the perpetrator “sick”.

Incidents reported by local media so far have stretched from Minchinhampton to France Lynch, six miles away.

Gloucestershire Constabulary told the Independent they have so far only received one formal report, from 22 February.

“Officers have conducted enquiries in the area as a result of the incident and the owner has been made aware there is little more we can do at this stage unless more information comes to light,” a spokesperson said.

“An element of animal cruelty could be considered if the cat was injured or distressed. But if the cat keeps coming back home with shaved patches, this would suggest it keeps going back to whoever is doing it by choice.

“It could also be classed as criminal damage as the cat is somebody’s property. Ultimately, if the perpetrator was found, officers are likely to give them words of advice and find out why they are doing this to establish a motive.”

The RSPCA said it had also been alerted to the Cotswolds incidents and is urging anyone with information to call its inspectors.

“Shaving a cat in this way could cause huge distress to both animal and owner,” a spokesperson said.

“We would appeal for anyone who may have information about who is responsible for this to contact the RSPCA on 0300 123 4999 or to contact the police.“