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Kitten caper remains unsolved

Stolen kitten has respiratory illness and needs to be checked by a veterinarian
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Contributed photo RCMP released this surveillance video of the suspect in a kitten snatching.

Worries mount the longer a stolen kitten suffering from a “cat cold” remains missing.

“It’s very upsetting,” said Erica Coomber, director of operations for Alberta Animal Services in Red Deer.

“We’re just worried about her. We just want to know that she’s OK.”

The cute kitten was taken from Red Deer’s Petland store, at 5250 22nd St., about 2:30 p.m. last Friday.

RCMP have distributed a surveillance camera image and a photo of the little bundle of fur in hopes of generating leads.

Coomber said there has been plenty of media attention but no clues to the kitten’s whereabouts so far.

Staff are especially concerned as days go by because the cat was suffering from an upper respiratory virus and was being treated with antibiotics and liquids.

As with humans, a respiratory infection leads to congestion.

“If a cat gets really congested and snotty they can’t smell,” she said. “And if a cat can’t smell, it doesn’t eat.”

It’s crucial for growing kittens to gain weight every day to remain healthy.

The kitten needs to be taken to a vet to continue its treatment or it may be too late.

“Maybe she’s starting to feel better. They can get over it on their own, but this strain of (upper respiratory virus) they’re not getting over it. We have to medically intervene.

“So I’m very concerned about the kitten.”

Coomber does not believe the thief wanted to harm the cat, which has a microchip and has been spayed.

She believes the suspect simply wanted a kitten friend and didn’t want to pay the adoption fee.

Alberta Animal Services has a partnership with Petland, which donated and built the in-store adoption centre.

Anyone with information about this incident, should contact the Red Deer RCMP at 403-343-5575. To remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or report it online at www.tipsubmit.com. A reward of up to $2,000 is available for information that leads to an arrest or recovery of stolen property.

pcowley@www.reddeeradvocate.com