By Rachel Murphy

A CLAUGHTON couple are appealing for the return of their highly unusual Persian cat.

Dexter, a six-year-old chocolate point Persian, went missing last Tuesday from his home in St Andrews Road.

He was last seen at midnight that night when owners Naomi and Tom Murphy wished him goodnight and went to bed.

The couple, grandparents of five, put up posters in the road when he didn't return by Bonfire Night and have been overwhelmed by the response from neighbours.

"Dexter is extraordinarily sociable," said Naomi, an exercise instructor. "I've had neighbours knocking on my door close to tears saying how much they'll miss him if he doesn't come home.

"And all our grandchildren are very upset, too. We just want him back."

Dexter tags along with the couple whenever they enjoy barbecues or social gatherings in the neighbourhood, and has been a fixture in St Andrews Road since he was nine weeks old.

The neutered Tom cat, who has piercing blue eyes, is so sociable he even accompanies Naomi to several of her exer-cise classes across Wirral and Chester.

"He's the ultimate party animal," she said, "which is why his disappearance is so very worrying. He is not the type of pet to risk missing out on anything at all."

Dexter requires a special diet and is on medication so his owners are also worried that if he has been either stolen or adopted by another owner, his health may be at risk.

Naomi added: "He's microchipped and wearing a maroon velvet studded collar, so he's easily identifiable.

''We just want him home because St Andrews Road simply isn't the same without him."

A reward is on offer for Dexter's safe return.

If you have any information, contact the Globe on 906 3053.