Ref. 29439-03THE hapless pedigree cat which travelled from Swindon to Lechlade in a car's engine has been claimed by its owner.

The cross-British Blue cat was found under the bonnet of a Suzuki Swift owned by Mike Tegg from Witney last Friday when he was driving home after shopping at the Asda-Walmart superstore in Haydon Wick.

The cat was claimed on Wednesday afternoon but the Blue Cross Centre refused to reveal the identity of the owner and whether the owner is from Swindon.

The pet had been found under the bonnet of the car when Mr Tegg pulled over after hearing strange noises.

Despite being very nervous and distressed after what must have been a noisy and uncomfortable journey, the cat settled down in the front of the car for a short trip to the Blue Cross Centre near Burford, where it has been looked after for five days.

Mr Tegg said: "I am delighted that the cat is back with its owner. As a cat owner myself I understand it can be very distressing to lose a cat but I am very happy to hear it is back with its owner."

The cat was lucky as others in a similar situation have got too close to the engine fan and lost a limb.