Missing cat has Facebook page

In a sign of the times, the Abu family of New Plymouth has taken to Facebook to find their missing moggie Basil.

The family set up a page called Bring Back Basil in February which has attracted 110 “likes” and features pictures of Basil, contact details, and several heartfelt pleas for information about their “Basil boy”.

Lisa Abu said the purebred ragdoll cat had been missing from Carrington St for about 40 days, but the family refused to give up hope of finding him alive.

The 23-year-old said they were “missing him terribly” and that “not knowing [what happened to him] is the worst thing”.

No expense has been spared in the search for Basil. The family has placed ads in the Taranaki Daily News and the North Taranaki Midweek, and flyers have been distributed as far away as Fitzroy.

There is even an undisclosed reward being offered for Basil’s safe return.

The search was focused on the lower Vogeltown area, as Basil was a “home cat” and ragdolls “don’t really know how to survive”, said Miss Abu.

The family feels catnapping was another explanation for Basil disappearance, because Ragdolls were an expensive and sought after breed, known for their distinctive colouring and friendly nature.

Basil, who turns three in May, was originally from Auckland but has been living with the family since April last year.

Miss Abu said she felt strongly that Basil was still alive, and just wanted him home safely.

Should anyone see Basil they are urged to contact Miss Abu and her family via http://www.facebook.com/BringBackBasil. 

Missing: Basil the ragdoll cat has been missing from his Vogeltown home for about 40 days.  Photo: supplied