A CAT welfare charity has today issued an appeal for information about a missing trap amid fears it may have been stolen with infected kittens inside.

A CAT welfare charity has today issued an appeal for information about a missing trap amid fears it may have been stolen with infected kittens inside.

The trap was left outside Toys 'R' Us in Copdock overnight on Friday in a bid to catch a number of feral cats prowling the area.

However when members of Ipswich Cats Protection League returned to collect it on Saturday it had gone.

Judy Mills, co-ordinator of the group, said: “We were trying to catch a colony of kittens.

“We don't know if there was anything in the trap when it was stolen but the kittens might have FIV, the feline form of HIV.

“The father has FIV so it is highly likely the kittens might have.”

Mrs Mills said the disease could not be passed to humans but cats with the virus had to be kept indoors in order to prevent it spreading.

She said, like the human form of the virus, it would eventually lead to the break-down of the immune system and the death of the cats.

She added: “We wouldn't put the cats down but they would have to stay with us for three or four months until they are old enough to be tested for it.

“If positive, they would then be re-homed and would have to be indoor cats.”

She said she could not understand why the trap had been stolen but said the charity needed it back and were offering a reward.

The trap is one of their best and is valued at about £150.

The colony of kittens in the area are described as tabbies and the charity has already rescued one short-haired and one long-haired kitten.

A spokeswoman for Suffolk police said officers were looking into the disappearance of the trap.

Anyone with information should call Pc Gary Austin at Capel St Mary police on 01473 613 500 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Weblink: www.cats.org.uk