With the arrival of long days and the promise of warmer weather, many Broughton cats will now be making plans for their holidays.
Whether it be away-days to Goldenacre, spa-breaks in Bonnington, or romantic weekends in a luxury hide-away basement somewhere deep in the New Town – the possibilities for relaxation and adventure are limitless.
And what could be better from a domestic feline point of view than enjoying new faces and different food for a while, safe in the knowledge that human hosts back home will be far more compliant after a swift bout of soul-clawing guilt and anxiety?
The undisputed North Edinburgh champion of such itchy-pawed self-interest is Tom – an 11-year-old neutered ‘tiger tabby’ with very dark stripes – who has been missing from Eyre Crescent since the end of last summer.
When it comes to going absent without leave, Tom has form. As a 12-week-old kitten he first broke out of the family home and ended up by the canal in Polwarth. A subsequent 10 excursions have lasted as long as 6 months, after which this master of disguise has sometimes only been recognisable by a subcutaneous chip and a tell-tale squeak when picked up. He was last discovered basking in one of the hothouses at the Botanic Garden.
Given his record, Tom’s carers are concerned rather than frantic about his current welfare and whereabouts. They well understand how new admirers may have been charmed into looking after such a friendly and persuasive creature (possibly in the mistaken belief that he is a stray blackbird).
Nevertheless, Tom's first family love him. They want him home, and they are now renewing their appeal for local residents to help get him back.
Based solely on intuition, they think he may have found accommodation somewhere around Broughton Road, but would not be surprised to learn he has roamed further.
So, if you see Tom, or think you may know where he has temporarily hung his hat, please Tel. 556 2082.
Remember! If your pet goes missing in Broughton, we are always happy to spread the word. Contact us by email: spurtle@hotmail.co.uk Twitter: @theSpurtle Facebook: Broughton Spurtle