A FAMILY from Cowley are offering £250 to whoever can help reunite them with their missing cat Mario. 

The four-year-old moggy has not been seen since Sunday, August 12, when he escaped from a cattery in Freelands Road, near Donnington Bridge.

Tim Spanner, who has had the feline since he was a kitten, said: "We are desperately trying to find him, both me and my wife and our almost two-year-old daughter are absolutely distraught."

thisisoxfordshire:

Mario, with Sandra, Sophia and Tim Spanner

He added he did not think Mario would be able to make the journey back to the family's Temple Road home on his own and urged people to check their sheds and gardens.

The grey cat has a white stomach, white paws and a white tip to his tail.

Mario had a black fabric collar with a bell on when he went missing.

Mr Spanner said they were 'very serious' about offering the £250 if someone can bring him back to them 'safe and well'.

He added: "Mario is a very gentle cat, quite timid, but would approach someone if they offered food.

"He gets along with my 21-month-old daughter Sophia really well and she is really missing him."

Anyone who thinks they have seen him can contact Mr Spanner on 07929183506 or email twspanner@icloud.com.