Its owner, Allison Ross has had ‘Thor’, a grey, long-haired Mainecoon for the past seven years, since he was a kitten.

“He’s a house cat and, unlike other cats that roam about and soon learn to find their way home, he just goes into the garden during the day and I always bring him in at night. But, the door was left open that night and he got out.

“We think he followed another car and lost its way.”

‘Thor’ was last seen by two people last Wednesday, near Leonard’s garage at the top of Garvary Hill and again at Clover Brae at the bottom.

Readers will easily recognise ‘Thor’ by his long and fluffy tail, but they needn’t expect him to come to them. All the Ross family want is for them to contact them at either of the phone numbers at the bottom of this article.

“He’s very shy and is frightened of strangers and cars”, Allison explained. “That’s why we would ask whoever might see him to contact us.”

To date, the family have been searching everywhere, driven by the need to find him, naturally, but also amid concerns he is hungry and cold.

“We have run out of places to look. We’re so delighted you are running a story about it. He’s a lovely car and is very affectionate to us. He has obviously got lost and, if we can get him back, will make our day.”

The Ross family  (’we will do anything to get him back’) are offering a reward.

Their contact numbers are – 02866 329960 or 07929 003059.