A Tuam-based charity has issued a heartfelt plea for information about a cat that has been visiting their centre for the past four years – but who hasn’t been seen now for weeks.

Jess has been a regular and welcome visitor to the offices of Tuam Cancer Care on the Dunmore Road in Tuam for the past few years.

Fundraising Manager Eimear Keane said that the cat and four kittens arrived at there around four years ago and since then has been a favourite with the clients who visit on a daily basis.

“She has become part of our little community for the past few years and our clients love her. She almost has a soothing effect on them,” said Eimear.

When the cat first arrived at the centre, she was a little reluctant to engage with the staff although she was more than willing to accept the food they left out for her.

Since then, she has returned on a daily basis where staff member and cat lover Rosemary Burke literally had her eating out of her hand.

The cat visited the centre every morning and would often spend the day lounging around the Tuam Cancer Care garden as well as providing a source of entertainment for the cancer sufferers who attend there.

“Unfortunately we haven’t seen Jess for the past couple of weeks but we believe that she might be accepting the hospitality provided in one of the neighbouring estates,” said Eimear.

“There have been a number of sightings of her in other parts of the town but if someone has seen her or rehomed her, it would be great if they let us know,” she added.

The caring staff at the centre even brought Jess to a local vet to have her neutered and vaccinated so it is obvious that they have a huge attachment to the cat.