DISTRAUGHT cat owners are offering a reward after their pet was stolen from a cattery.

Eight-year-old Thomas, who belongs to Fred and Amy Foster, was among four cats stolen from the Blue Acres Boarding Kennels and Cattery at Coxhoe.

The couple were shocked to learn of his disappearance when they returned from their holiday on the Norfolk Broads.

Now they are offering a £100 reward for his return or information about what has happened to him. Mr Foster, who has cancer, said: "When we came back on Friday we were told he had been stolen with three others the previous Sunday.

"The police told us the place was fully secured but the burglars took out the window and stole the best four cats.

"They have gone in knowing what they wanted. They left the plain cats and have gone for the bonny ones.''

Mr and Mrs Foster, of Bowburn, have had Thomas, a tortoiseshell tabby, since he was a kitten and they got him from a Cats Protection League shelter.

"He isn't just a cat to us, he's a person. We just want him back. I'm at home all day. When I have had a chemotherapy session he comes and curls up with me. He really is my companion.''

The couple say they are worried about how Thomas, who never goes out, will be treated and how he is coping.

"It is a mystery. What would they want with him?''

Mrs Foster said: "I have never stopped crying. The worst thing is not knowing what has happened to him and if he is all right.

"We don't know if they have hurt him, or killed him.''

Jeremy Snowden, of the kennels and cattery, said: "They have knocked out the safety glass window and crawled across the top of the wire cages to get in. It's very hard to defend against.

"Ideally we'd like to catch the people who did it but if the cats are returned we'd prefer that.''

He added that he was puzzled as to the motive for the burglary.

Mr and Mrs Foster can be contacted on (0191) 377 3979.