‘Weird’ cat shaver strikes again in Lambourn

OH no – the phantom cat shaver is back.

There have been reports on social media that a village cat has been targeted this month.

Last June the Newbury Weekly News highlighted how pet owners in Hungerford and Lambourn were on the alert following reports of cats being kidnapped and shaved.

The bizarre incidents were reported across the south east – and, to this day, no one knows why.

In London, the RSPCA warned owners to keep their pets indoors where possible.

And the charity Animals Lost and Found has published an interactive map of incidents where felines were partially shaved (pictured).

Several cat owners contacted the NWN to say their pets had been shaved in various spots.

This week, one owner from Lambourn posted on social media: “Keep your cats inside – the phantom cat shaver is about again.”

Another posted: “My cat has been shaved constantly for months now...it’s weird.”

Experts say the experience of being grabbed, held down and shaved by a stranger is, unsurprisingly, traumatising for felines.

• HAS your pet been affected? Email john.garvey@newburynews.co.uk