A £200 reward was today offered for the safe return of a rare-breed cat in Shropshire.

Trigger has been missing since September 18 but his owner, Helen Harvey, believes he could have been stolen.

Mrs Harvey, of Belmont Road in Ironbridge, today appealed for anyone who knew where her pet could be to get in touch.

She has contacted vets, the RSPCA and the police, as well as animal welfare centres taking in lost animals, in a desperate search to find the cat.

Posters have also been put up on lamp posts around the town.

The 54-year-old said Trigger belonged to the ocicat breed, which is known for its highly distinctive marks on its fur and can cost up to £1,000 to buy.

Mrs Harvey said she had let out the cat in the evening of September 18 for the usual two to three hours.

But that night he did not come home, prompting the search.

She said she believed Trigger could have been stolen because of how valuable the breed was.

Chris Ammonds, Telford police press officer, said Mrs Harvey had contacted them on September 22 about the missing cat. He said the incident had been noted by police.

Mrs Harvey said the cat was part Abyssinian, Siamese and American shorthair. She added that the cat had a “wonderful” temperament and got on well with her two dogs.

She said her other pets were now missing Trigger. Mrs Harvey said Trigger was insured by Tesco Pet Insurance and the company had said she could offer a £200 reward in a bid to find the cat.

Anyone who has any information about Trigger can contact her on (01952) 432236 or Telford police on 0300 333 3000.