Tearful children in a Saltcoats street have clubbed together to help find their much-loved neighbour’s cat.

Non-pedigree Norwegian Forest cat, Magnus, has been missing from Anderson Drive since around 9.30am on Wednesday, April 10.

Owner Linda Murphy is growing increasingly worried for Magnus and is offering a reward for his safe return.

But Magnus’ disappearance has also caused upset among local children who know the cat well and have been frantically out looking for him.

Linda said: “I don’t have any young kids, but the local kids have been amazing, searching high and low for him. Someone told me a little boy was crying because he didn’t want to come in and get ready for bed, he wanted to stay up late, so he could keep looking for Magnus.  

“He is a housecat by choice; if the window or back door is open he’ll go out and sit in the back garden for a little while but as he is very timid, usually runs back in at the slightest noise. The moon was particularly bright that night so it’s possible he decided to wander a little farther than usual.

“Thursday [April 11] was a beautiful day; perhaps he’s wandered into a shed or hut while someone was out cutting their grass? There are lots of huts/garages in the area as well as areas of open ground. It’s also been very cold at night so it’s possible he’s squeezed in somewhere to keep warm or is trapped.

“I’m overwhelmed by the kindness and support I’ve received from neighbours, friends and total strangers alike; it’s life-affirming.

“I just want to say a massive thank you to everyone and to ask people to please, please keep on looking and check around your back garden/shed. Has he maybe been taken in by someone thinking he is a stray? Is he sitting at a window? Do you know someone who feeds strays, could you ask them if they’ve seen him? Can you check online sites like Gumtree or Preloved – is he advertised on there? Please, please, keep looking for him and share on Facebook to spread the word.”

Magnus is a long-haired, black, Norwegian Forest cat (non-pedigree). He is neutered and chipped but doesn’t wear a collar. He has pale orange eyes, which can look yellow in some lights. He has fur on the padding on his paws and a bushy tail. 

Have you seen Magnus? Contact North Ayrshire Cats Protection on 0345 371 4218.