Stolen Max turns up out of the blue

The theft of Russian blue Max as he was out for an evening run was recorded on camera in Lower Gilmore Place, Fountainbridge, more than two weeks ago. There had been no sign of him since – until Sunday, when he turned up in a garden in Trinity.

He has now been reunited with his owner, who said Max was thin and tired but still purring. The mystery of who stole him and why, however, still remains.

Malcolm Oswald initially thought Max had been eaten by a fox when he failed to come home after being put out for his evening run on July 31.

But when he checked the CCTV on his building, Mr Oswald spotted Max being stolen by a woman who pulled up in a car and lured him towards her, before forcing him into the car.

The theft was reported to the police, who launched an inquiry, but there was no sign of Max.

Mr Oswald, 57, said he had received a phone call yesterday morning from Dundas Veterinary Group saying Max was at its clinic in Dundas Street.

“He’d turned up on Sunday in a couple’s garden in Trinity. Their neighbour had two cats herself and she had gone to look after Max, because he was crying in the garden.

“Because she had two cats herself she couldn’t take him in, but she fed him and petted him and made a fuss of him.”

The woman took Max to the vet, where his microchip was checked.

Mr Oswald said Max was a little fragile, but recovering well from his ordeal. “The cat was obviously glad to see us, very quiet, but he’s been fine ever since. He’s tired, and you can see he’s a bit shaken, but purring away,” he said.

“He’s very quiet, but quite alert. He’s very thin, you can feel his bones all over.”

He said he had spoken to the woman who rescued Max, but she didn’t want any publicity or reward for her action.

He added: “The whole family is thrilled to bits, we’re so grateful.”

Max is now settling back into life at the family home on Spylaw Road.

He was stolen while they were staying temporarily at a flat in Lower Gilmore Place, where Mr Oswald’s business is based, as they had guests staying at the family home.

Mr Oswald said: “He won’t ever be going out back at Lower Gilmore Place if he’s back there.”

He also offered his thanks to the veterinary clinic, and Lothian and Borders Police.

A police spokesman said the investigation into Max’s theft was ongoing, and appealed for anyone with information to call 0131-311 3131.

[email protected]