AS his partner battles cancer in hospital, Jim Wakeling is desperately hoping her missing cat will show up and provide a welcome boost to her morale.
Sylvia Manning, 54, went into Basildon Hospital with multiple myeloma on Friday, February 22 – the same day the couples' beloved "Bear" was last seen.
The two-year-old short-haired tabby and white cat has a distinctive folded over right ear, was wearing an orange collar and is micro-chipped.
Speaking from her hospital bed, Mrs Manning said: "I was called in to hospital and got kept in.
"Bear was with Jim at home that night but he hasn't been back since – I feel terrible I can't do anything or go and look for him.
"I really hope someone will find him, so far we have had a few people thinking they have found him and Jim has rushed home only to find it was another cat that looked similar to Bear.
"He is a lovely playful little boy, who we rescued at the same time as Tatiana, one of our other cats.
"They are the youngest cats in our family and love to play. Tatiana has been missing him more than anyone else as they were very good friends."
Mr Wakeling, 55, of Buntling Lane, Billericay, has been doing all he can to find Bear since, including posting notices on missing cat websites, flyering the neighbourhood and contacting the Gazette.
He said: "Bear is very friendly and loves food. We got him six months ago from former model Celia Hammond's rescue centre.
"My partner and I are big cat lovers and have six cats in total. I've listed Bear on missing cat websites and leafleted a large area of Billericay to the east of the high street and south of the railway and some of the sightings have led us to think he may have crossed over to the west side of the High Street.
"Basildon Leaflets kindly helped us and covered an extra area around South Green at no cost. It's likely that he is moving between other houses without being seen. "
Mr Wakeling pointed out that often people are unsure what to do if they find a stray cat.
He said: "Checking the stray's collar and phoning the number is a good start and if not taking it to the vets to scan for a microchip, which is free.
"They could also check out various lost cat websites"
Bear was last seen near Greens Farm Lane. A small reward will be given to whoever manages to return him to his home.
Anyone who has any information on Bear's whereabouts should call Mr Wakeling on 01277 632527 at the weekend or in the evening, 01268 400554 on weekdays or 07429 277434 on his mobile.
