AN appeal has been launched for a Darlington cat who “means the world” to his owner and has been missing over 24-hours, despite normally being an inside cat. 

Theo, who “isn’t just a pet” and sits when he hears "anything including Kate Beckinsale", went missing before 12pm lunch time yesterday, June 24, in the Denes and Brinkburn area of Darlington.  

Family friend Robyn O'Brien is asking town residents to look out for and not feed the two-year-old housecat.

The Northern Echo:

She said: “As all pet owners know, any animal they take in usually starts with a connection.  

“He's family to his owner, who calls him son. He’s over the road from a pub, there’s busy main road from West Auckland to Whessoe Road and they are minutes from Whessoe Pond and Black Path - a lot of places to worry about. Even the Denes Park is such a large area. 

“He's got a little chub for a young man but nothing to worry about, he's active. I'd like to ask people not to feed him, with not knowing his diet and right to fact he's such a soft lad. He'll probably want to stay around as your best mate, but his dad wants him back.” 

Theo, described as “a rambunctious little lad”, would normally be found cuddled up on his own recliner indoors. 

The Northern Echo:

"When he tiny he would climb and sit on your shoulder,” Miss O'Brien added. 

“He understands the word behave, so if he's seen around any rubbish or eating something less than savoury, if someone sees him he'll most likely stop  

Theo knows some other commands; a person could say "anything including Kate Beckinsale" with a closed hand he will sit, while "porridge" will have him stand for a treat - “it’s still adorable”. 

If you see Theo, contact Miss O'Brien via her Facebook account - Robyn Louise.