A FAMILY is in turmoil after receiving an electronic ransom demand for the safe return of their cat.

Mr Bubbles went missing from his home in Graham Street, Swindon, more than a week ago.

But his owners are becoming increasingly concerned for the young cat's safety after receiving a sinister reply to their online appeal for his whereabouts.

They don't know whether the catnappers are genuine or are youths playing a prank.

Mother and daughter Tunna and Deena Dee made an impassioned plea for the safe return of Mr Bubbles on the lost pet section of the website gumtree last Thursday after drawing a blank with Cat's Protection and a poster campaign.

Their despair turned to joy when they received an email the next day from somebody called Mike who claimed to have found the one-year-old ginger and white long-haired cat.

Yet they were horrified to discover that their fluffy pet was being held "in custody" and that he would only be returned if they stumped up £50.

"Usually people ring up and say come and pick your cat up, but this person wanted our address and phone number," said Tunna, 43.

"Then we got an email saying we'll get the cat back if we hand over £50 first.

"I was thinking this guy is trying to pull a fast one and if he has done it to us how many other people has he done it to?

"He is playing on people being vulnerable because you start wondering maybe he has got the cat and then you worry about the cat's safety.

"I think he's just taking the mickey.

"Mr Bubbles is just a year old and he is our little baby really. I haven't slept I've been so worried about him."

Deena, 13, a pupil at St Joseph's Catholic College, was given Mr Bubbles as a birthday present.

She said: "I've been very upset because I just don't know what is happening to him.

"This is the first time he has ever gone missing and he is quite timid. I think he will be quite frightened."

Mr Bubbles, who also answers to Bubbles or Bubbly, went missing at about 10pm on March 12.

Tunna says he doesn't have a collar because he keeps pulling it off.

A spokesman for Cat's Protection said he could not comment on the case of Mr Bubbles, but offered some handy hints on what to do if your cat goes missing.

The charity recommends that owners keep cats in at night and ensure their pets are neutered and micro-chipped.

Owners are also advised to create cat-friendly gardens to ensure that their pets do not wander.

Cats Protection can provide advice and information on cat welfare-related issues.

Cat owners can contact the charity's helpline on 08702 099099.