At least 22 cats have gone missing in towns across north-east Tasmania in recent weeks prompting questions over what is causing their mysterious disappearance.
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The cats from George Town and Dover were often not microchipped or confined, but were still cherished pets.
RSPCA Tasmania said the cats were simply walking away and not coming back and, in Dover, none of the bodies were even found.
"What is happening to these cats has yet to be established, but police are aware of the situation," Jen Davis, CEO of RSPCA Tasmania said.
RSPCA Tasmania is confident the missing cats are a criminal matter.
Ms Davis said differing opinions about cats - whether they are friend or foe - can lead to disagreements in the community and cause individuals to "take matters into their own hands".
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Tasmania Police are aware of the reports but said, "there is no evidence to suggest any connection between the reports - or any criminal behaviour involved".
"Cat owners are advised to contact their local council, or animal welfare organisations, if they have concerns."
Sue Maddigan has had two of her beloved fur babies go missing in George Town over the last two years.
Ms Maddigan said that the curse of the missing cats had hit the town last year, as well as this year, and the gender of the cats may play a role in their disappearance.
"Fourteen female cats have gone missing this year, but it was 14 male cats last year. It has to be more than an almighty coincidence," Ms Maddigan said.
While Tasmania police were not prepared to link the disappearances to crime, Ms Maddigan was confident a member of the community was the cat burglar.
"It seems to be, the last two years, people are just taking cats," Ms Maddigan said.
She lost Mack, her five-year-old Maine Coon, in 2019 and shortly after filling the hole he left behind with her new cat, Splodgie, that one was gone too.
"Mack was a huge, big ginger boy with beautiful gold eyes. I cried for days after losing Mack. And Splodgie was a dear little pet that was loved."
"It's like taking a child ... It's your fur baby," Ms Maddigan said.
