ON December 2, 1999 my elderly cat went outdoors and I never saw him again - old, weary, a road victim? Perhaps. On December 5, 2000 my eight-month-old kitten went outdoors - I have not seen him since either.

I have recently read your articles of concerned owners looking for missing cats. Even more disturbing are the bulletin boards at my local vets showing cards (my own included) of once again, missing cats - pedigrees included. My local newsagent asked me recently - is there a serial cat-napper in your area (Sankey)?

Joking aside, it certainly makes you wonder - both my cats were micro-chipped and if they get picked up then the theory is that the chip will be read on a scanner that holds your personal details and they will eventually be returned to you. As my cats have never been returned I can't help wondering what did happen to them. Is it just coincidence or are our pets disappearing for another reason?

MRS B JAMIESON

Mossdale Close,

Whittle Hall