THE owners of a tabby cat that went missing from a cattery over six weeks ago are appealing for the public's help in tracing their beloved pet.

THE owners of a tabby cat that went missing from a cattery over six weeks ago are appealing for the public's help in tracing their beloved pet.

Ian and Janice Britton were "devastated" when they returned from holiday to the realisation their cat Tigger had escaped from the Mews Cattery in Birchall Lane, WGC.

Mr Britton, of Meadway, WGC, told the Welwyn & Hatfield Times he and wife Janice, who is registered deaf, went away for the bank holiday for a week in Cornwall.

Having put the nine-year-old feline in the cattery on August 28 it escaped on August 30 when it was being fed.

The 54-year-old said: "It's the first time we have ever used the cattery as no one in the family was available.

"Tigger escaped through the cat flap - he has never used one before."

Mr Britton said his wife Janice, 55, with whom he has three children, was desperately worried about the missing cat.

Visibly saddened he said: "Janice is not sleeping.

"She is waking up during the night, she is so upset."

Mr Britton added: "We take our cat to the cattery and they lose it, it's definitely not good service.

"We have had an apology from them but we're really angry that this has happened.

"We just hope Tigger can find his way home."

The cattery has been in business for nearly 50 years.

They declined to comment, but stressed they had never lost a cat before.

Anyone who knows of Tigger's whereabouts should call the newsdesk on 01707 384180.