IT IS eight weeks today since a Yate family lost their pet cat after it was hit by their neighbour’s car.

The family lost their three-year-old silver Tabby Persian Chinchilla cat, Oscar, on November 19, after the bump it scarpered away.

They have been searching ever since and have not given up hope that he will be returned home safely, whilst sightings suggest that he is trying to find his way back but is going in the wrong direction.

Owner Julie Reed said: “We've had a few very positive sightings and we firmly believe he is alive out there but because he is so timid of strangers he is running the moment he is approached.

“We got a call Christmas Day from a lady saying he was stuck up a tree the day before in Melrose Close/edge of Ridgewood. A resident got ladders up but he scrambled down and ran off but limping badly in his back leg which is why we believe it was Oscar.

“Then this week one of the postmen that has been looking out for him called to say he saw him in Badgeworth the previous day but again by the time we got there he had moved on. There have been other confirmations of that sighting from other people so it's really promising.”

The family urge anyone who sees Oscar to call them as soon as possible rather than approach him as he is timid and will run away.

Avon and Somerset Police have also assisted in the search with a missing poster. They ask that everyone checks their outbuildings, sheds and garages where he could be hiding.

Julie added: “He appears to have travelled a long way but it works out at only 150 yards a day but in the wrong direction for home.”

He has been microchipped and can be scanned free of charge at any vets.

If anyone sees the cat they should call the family on 07860 769577, or call in confidence to Winterbourne and Brimsham Veterinary Surgery on 01454 312321.