The owners of a missing cat said they are “haunted” after his severed tail was posted through their letterbox. Max, an eight-year-old tabby, was discovered dead by a dog walker on Friday (September 25) in woods near his home, less than a week after his distinctive white-tipped tail had been left for the couple, Louise, 45, and Lisa, 47, to find.
Discovery in woodland
Louise said Max's body had been left just off a main path in woodland close to their flat in Hull, East Yorkshire. She said: "He was placed just off the main path and wasn't there late last night."
Investigators have now taken samples of Max's fur as part of a search for DNA as police continue to probe his death. Louise believes Max was the victim of a "human attack".
Disappearance and grim find
Max disappeared from the couple's home on September 14 after Louise had put him in the front garden at around midday before going out. When she returned later that afternoon, Max, who would normally run to greet her at the car, had vanished. The couple put up missing posters after becoming increasingly worried.
Five days later, Lisa went to collect their mail from the shared post area at their block of flats, but she began screaming after discovering Max's severed tail had been pushed through their own letterbox. Louise said: "I just heard Lisa screaming and crying. That is something I will never forget."
She added: "I thought Lisa must have found him collapsed on the floor - but when I got there, I realised it was not his whole body, it was just his tail." The couple immediately recognised the distinctive white tip, which Louise said looked "like a paintbrush".
Examination and appeal
Max's tail has since been sent to a specialist vet in Liverpool for examination, including tests aimed at establishing whether it was removed before or after his death. Louise said she had been haunted by the possibility that it may have been cut off while he was still alive.
The couple is appealing for anyone with CCTV that may show people coming in or out of the gates around their property to come forward. They said they are "so very grateful" for the huge number of messages and support they have received since Max's disappearance.
Memorial and fundraising
Louise and Lisa will hold a memorial for Max outside their flat at 7pm tonight (Sunday, September 27). Friends, neighbours and supporters are being invited to gather near Max's favourite tree, where candles will be lit in his memory. Those attending will also tie yellow ribbons around the tree, chosen in tribute to Max because his favourite blanket was the same colour.
A fundraising page has been launched by a friend of the couple to build a reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of whoever was responsible for Max's death. The JustGiving appeal had raised £1,475 by Sunday morning.
Louise and Lisa, who have been together for nine years, have scaled back their wedding plans following Max's death. They had planned a celebration at a pub with a buffet after their registry office ceremony, but now plan to have just one drink afterward because they say they "cannot bear" the thought of celebrating.
Humberside Police said on Monday that anyone with information which may assist its investigation should call the non-emergency number 101 quoting reference 26*132718.
