Investigation is continuing this week into a rash of reports about missing cats in the St. Ignace, Cedarville, Hessel, and DeTour areas, County Animal Control Officer Wendy Frosland told The St. Ignace News Monday, September 18. Approximately 30 cats had been reported missing over a four- to six-week period ending Friday, September 8, as reported in the September 14 issue of The St. Ignace News, and 18 more reports have been called in since then. One report a week would be typical, Mrs. Frosland said.

Anyone with information can call her at (906) 298-1670.

No dogs have been reported missing, and there have been no reports of missing pet cats in the western portion of the county.

There have been no unusual incidents in nearby Mackinaw City, said Mary Talaske, the animal control officer for Cheboygan County, and Sheriff Pete Wallin of Emmet County. The village lies in both counties. While she is not aware of cats missing in higher numbers than usual around Mackinaw City, Ms. Talaske said her department usually gets more calls about cats than about dogs.

"Cats often take the brunt of animal cruelty cases, as well as fall prey to hawks, owls, or coyotes," Ms. Talaske said, noting they are territorial animals that can be driven from their territory by other animals. She advises people to keep cats as indoor pets.

Barb Groover of Pickford Veterinary Hospital said she is advising her clients in the area to keep pet cats indoors.