Stolen cat or missing cat?

Photo: Facebook page

Is her cat being held hostage, or is he still missing? 

That's the question a Vernon woman is asking.

On Feb. 26 Kayla Atherton says her one-year-old cat named Shadow went missing from 13 Street and 39 Avenue, in the East Hill area.

"We got an anonymous message saying someone had him and they dodged our efforts to come get him over and over for two days now," she said.

The message sent to her on Friday simply stated, "I found Shadow."

For a few moments, Atherton was thrilled someone had found her kitten but the conversation quickly went downhill.

Moments later Atherton responded saying she or her husband could come get Shadow at any time, but the anonymous texter kept making excuses.

"Never more than a few words [answers]," Atherton said. "Never a clear answer to my questions."
 
"I'm stunned that somebody would message us the way that person did."

Some of the texts from the anonymous person read, "I'm going to the movies tonight in Kelowna." "Still in Kelowna spending the night." "I won't be [home] but my partner will be, he's in bed right now, I'll let you know tomorrow."  

Atherton did not receive a message from the anonymous texter the next day so she took the liberty to message her just after noon on Saturday saying, "My husband is available all day today, could we meet you somewhere or come get him please?"

The person responded saying, "Sorry we're up at Silver Star skiing," which was sent just before 4 p.m.

At about 5:30 p.m. that evening the texter claimed they were 'out for dinner' and would text Atherton back later that night.

After not hearing anything back from the person Atherton texted the number back at 8:30 p.m. saying, "Please let us get him tonight. Our family is really missing him. We're so broken without him."

Atherton hasn't heard anything back from the anonymous person since Saturday.

She says she has been told that her nearby neighbours catch cats in traps and bring them to the SPCA, but Shadow has yet to show up at the SPCA.

"He should be wearing a blue and white collar w/ black tags," she said in a Facebook post. "He's fixed, vaccinated, microchipped and tattooed."

"Please keep your eye out for him. If you've been kind enough to bring him in for warmth please, please, PLEASE call me. His twin brother is missing him very very much."

It has been exactly one week since her family cat went missing and she is "hoping and praying" someone returns him.