A BELOVED cat that came to the UK from New Zealand at the height of the pandemic has gone missing.

It was a challenge for couple Annabelle and Ben Labuschagne to fly their ginger cat Sherlock and tabby Tiger-Lilly back to the UK once the country went into lockdown in March.

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Mrs Labuschagne said: "We did not want to leave our fur-babies behind but with flights for humans booked up, most airlines were refusing to take pets.

Oxford Mail: Sherlock the cat

"A miracle happened however and just days after we flew to the UK our cats were able to board a plane and join us. It cost us every penny of our savings and more to keep them with us but we have no regrets."

The couple migrated to New Zealand but lost their jobs due to the pandemic and moved back to the UK to live with their parents in Deddington.

They all settled in quickly, but a week ago Sherlock, who is both neutered and microchipped, went out and has not returned home or been seen by the couple or neighbours since.

Mrs Labuschagne said: "To have gotten on a plane and come all the way to the other side of the world only to be separated from his family is a terrible thing.

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"Both us and his sister are pinning for him and I’ve found myself struggling to work as every noise I hear outside my window must be investigated in case it’s him trying to return home."

Oxford Mail: Sherlock the cat

The local vets and shelters have been alerted and Mrs Labuschagne spent the whole week knocking on doors, searching gardens and farmers' fields around the house to find him. If you have seen Sherlock, call 07983984351.

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