A CONTENTED cat is safely back home, bringing a happy ending to a holiday horror story for owners Fred and Amy Foster.

Thomas the tortoiseshell tabby was last night enjoying into his favourite dish of tuna at the family home in Bowburn, near Durham, after being reunited with the Fosters.

Eight-year-old Thomas, who has been with the couple since he was a kitten, does not normally stray beyond the garden of the house.

But while the Fosters were on holiday recently, he was placed in a cattery, in nearby Coxhoe. They returned from the Norfolk Broads to receive the news that Thomas was one of four cats stolen in a break-in at the cattery.

The couple clung to the hope that their much-loved pet would be found safe and well. They toured the area, putting up notices and posters, as well as making an appeal through The Northern Echo.

It resulted in a tip-off that a cat had been seen near a scrapyard in West Cornforth.

The couple went to the spot and, following one unsuccessful search, they recognised Thomas's cry on a second visit. They eventually found him huddled behind a bush on a disused railway track near the scrapyard.

"He was filthy and very dehydrated, as well as being traumatised, because he's not used to being away from home," said a relieved Mrs Foster last night.

"We took him to the vet's and he had a glucose injection. We got some tablets to give him, and he seems to be getting much better.

"I'm sure he's happy to be home and he's eating well."

The couple passed on their thanks to everyone who helped with the search. They understand that two other cats stolen in the raid have also been found by their owners.