Three cats which went missing from a St Brelade cattery have now all been found safe, bringing an end to a three-week-long search which involved drones and thermal cameras.
Saint, Whiskas and Nicolas disappeared from Cozy Catz Cattery in the Route de Noirmont area last month amid concerns that an intruder had opened the chalet where the animals were being housed.
Cattery owner Fiona initially appealed to people living in the area to check their gardens, garages and sheds for the animals.
She described the disappearance as causing “major devastation, upset and anger” for the cats’ owners, as well as “untold stress and anxiety” for herself and the animals.
Saint and Whiskas were successfully trapped by neighbours of the cattery, but Nicolas remained missing for weeks.
The small ginger cat was described as being very nervous, prompting a continued appeal for anyone who spotted him to take care and avoid chasing him.
Fiona organised several searches for Nicolas, with scores of Islanders turning out to scour the nearby area, put up posters and carry out door-to-door appeals.
The search also involved volunteers lending their time to search with drones and thermal cameras.
Fiona explained that traps were set most evenings, while volunteers continued searching after potential sightings were reported.
Nicolas was eventually found earlier this week halfway down Ouaisne Hill.
According to Fiona, he ran in front of her car before heading into nearby woodland.
In a post on social media, she said: “After praying for just one positive sighting, my prayers were answered that night, well worth all the blood, sweat and tears.”
Fiona described the moment as a “huge relief” and thanked the many Islanders who had helped with the search effort.
“Finally to Nicolas himself, thank you for keeping yourself safe baby boy, and finally going in the trap,” she added.
