A smooth criminal? ‘Phantom Cat Shaver’ is believed to have targeted nearly 100 pets with hair clippers, sparking nationwide investigation
- The ‘Phantom Cat Shaver’ is feared to be targeting felines with hair clippers
- There were 54 incidents being investigated but it rose to 84 cases in a week
- The strange behaviour is prompting fears that there may be copycat attacks
A ‘sick’ thug dubbed the Phantom Cat Shaver is feared to have attacked almost 100 pets, sparking a nationwide investigation.
The elusive attacker is feared to be targeting pet cats with hair clippers and cruelly removing their fur.
Up until last week there had been 54 incidents – predominantly across Kent and south-east London – being investigated.
However, the number of cat shaving cases soared by 30 to an astounding 84 cases, spreading far and wide across the UK.
Of the 84 cases, there are more in the same region but also others as far afield as Cragie, near Aberdeen, Scotland as well as Rugely, near Stafford, Staffordshire.
A ‘sick’ thug dubbed the Phantom Cat Shaver is feared to have attacked almost 100 pets with hair clippers
There are now 84 cases across the UK being investigated following an additional 30 reports in a week
Others have even reported their furry pets being sheared in Southampton and Littlehampton, West Sussex.
The shocking rise in cat shaving has prompted fears of copycat attacks taking place until the problem can be stemmed.
The ongoing cases are being investigated by the Animals Lost and Found in Kent charity.
Natasha McPhee, 39, who runs the charity in Gillingham, Kent, warned cat owners to be vigilant and report cases to the police and RSPCA. The first cases centred around the town and Chatham and Rainham.
She said: ‘This first started in our area back in November and have happened across the UK now.
‘I have no explanation why or who would do such a thing.
‘In many cases the cats are left traumatised and it’s very upsetting for owners as well.
‘I can only imagine that the people carrying out these attacks are doing it for their own self gratification or some kind of cheap thrill.
‘Personally I think they are sick and need to be caught as quickly as possible.’
The elusive attacker is feared to be targeting pet cats with hair clippers and cruelly removing their fur
The shocking rise in cat shaving has prompted fears of copycat attacks taking place until the problem can be stemmed
Most of the cases of cat shaving have taken place in Kent and south-east London (map pictured)
The RSPCA is urging pet owners to be vigilant, and to report any incidents of cat shaving to themselves or the police.
RSPCA Chief Inspector Patrick Hamby said: ‘We may not be able to do something right away as it’s very difficult if you have no leads to go on, but it lets us know what is going on and the areas it is happening in, so we can concentrate more in those areas.’
‘If a cat has been shaved, it would have had to have been held down by someone they don’t know, which would put a lot of stress on the cat,’ he added.
‘Your cat may show signs of not wanting to go out anymore, or wanting to go out much less.’
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