Marley the cat goes missing after jumping in the back of a delivery van.

Dec 23 2011 by Lisa Boyle, Ayrshire Post (main ed)

CURIOSITY has left this poor cat miles from home.

For it seems that fluffy Marley has climbed into a delivery van in Coylton for a nosey.

But then the driver closed the door without spotting that the four-year-old tabby had sneaked in.

And when he opened the door to make his next delivery in Ayr’s Waggon Road, terrified Marley – who has not tail – bolted out the van and darted off in the direction of Green Street.

Owner Cathy Anderson and her daughter Ellis, 20, are desperate to get their precious pet back.

Cathy explained: “He went missing on Thursday, December 5 and I was starting to give up hope.

“But the delivery driver was back in the area last Thursday and saw one of the signs I’ve put up in the village.

“I’ve been down to Green Street and spoken to a few shopkeepers and business owners and I’m going back to put out flyers but nobody seems to have seen him.”

It’s not just Cathy and Ellis who are missing Marley, for his sister Abbie is pining for him too.

The pair have been pets of Cathy and Ellis since they were kittens.

Cathy continued: “He’s a real outdoor cat, he’s used to going out and is a hunter. He has a long coat so I’m hoping he’ll be ok, although it has been cold lately.

“He’s a really friendly cat so maybe someone has taken him in and is looking after him.”

Marley is a really distinctive looking cat, particularly since he has no tail.

He’s a long haired brown tabby and is sorely missed.

Marley doesn’t wear a collar and is not micro-chipped so it’s possible he could be mistaken for a stray.

Cathy has contacted the SSPCA and local vets as well as handing out scores of leaflets and starting a Facebook appeal.

Anyone who has information should contact Cathy on 07534432401.