A CAT which was snatched from his favourite hang-out spot has been found and reunited with his owners.

Padstow was taken from the front of Liz Delaney's house, a popular hangout for the cat, on Tuesday morning at 1.30am. 

A video captured by Liz Delaney's cameras showed how he was forcefully taken from his bed by a black-clad thief in the dead of night, much to the distress of town residents.

Home - Padstow the catHome - Padstow the cat (Image: Liz Delaney)

His owners, Christian and Naomi Winter, were quick to put out posters in town and posts sharing his disappearance on Facebook. 

The 18-year-old cat is a popular feline around town, always drawing in strokes and treats from passer-byers. 

A search party went out looking for him on the day he was taken but they came home disappointed and empty-handed.

Luckily, he was found on Thursday three miles away from home at The Hythe, in Colchester.

Christian Winter, one of Padstow's owners, posted on Facebook: "We can’t believe this but Padstow was just found near the Hythe in Colchester, we assume that everyone posting and sharing the videos and posters made them release him.

"Thank you to everyone in the village, we need to get some sleep now but we appreciate everyone’s hard work for his safe return!"

Padstow is now resting safely at his rightful home with a belly full of food.

Home - Padstow in WivenhoeHome - Padstow in Wivenhoe (Image: Liz Delaney)  

In May this year, a new act which punishes people for stealing cats and dogs got Royal Assent. 

The Pet Abduction Act 2024 states anyone found guilty of stealing a pet in England or Northern Ireland will face up to five years in prison, a fine, or both.

The Act acknowledges cats and dogs as sentient beings capable of experiencing distress and other emotional trauma when taken from their owners.

Evidence from the Pet Theft Taskforce indicates that in 2020, there were around 2,000 dog thefts and over 400 cat thefts reported to police.