$1k feline flees Wairarapa cattery

MISSING: Echo, an 11-month-old Bengal Asian leopard cat is missing in the Opaki area after escaping from a local cattery. PHOTO/SUPPLIED

A missing cat worth $1000 has meant a holiday cut short and heartbreak for a family and a local cattery.

The Haglund-Turley family were a day into their annual break when they were told their 11-month-old Bengal Asian leopard cat, Echo, had escaped from the Ladymead Boarding Kennels and Cattery north of Masterton.

The family have spent the past 10 days traipsing across paddocks, searching kilometres of bush, railway lines and the roadside looking for him.

Their four children, Sophia, 9, Quinn, 7, Alexi, 5, and Reid, 4, are distraught but they hope the cat will wander through the door any day now.

In the meantime, they will keep searching and placing flyers in shops.

Cattery owner Barbara O'Byrne says the animal was able to escape after an oak tree branch put a hole in the roof of the cattery after a storm.

The boarding kennels and cattery holds AsureQuality status.

Sarah Haglund-Turley says they trusted the animals were in experienced hands. Their dog and another cat have stayed there previously.

"It's devastating to think you drop your animal off to be taken care of and they lose it."

Ross Turley is angry and says none of the family's animals will be going to Ladymead again. Mrs O'Byrne has offered to reimburse the family for the cost of flyers and advertising and to pay for the cat.

Mr Turley said: "I'm frustrated ... they told us they have had this breed of cat before and they would be safe. They guaranteed they would be safe."

When they picked up their other pets, Mr Turley said the family was upset.

Mrs O'Byrne said she was gutted the cat had escaped.

"I'm absolutely devastated as I know Ross and Sarah are ... It's horrible. I understand how they feel. I've had sleepless nights with worry. Sorry is such a pathetic word. It's a precious animal."

It was a stormy night when Echo vanished and both cats were a bit "skittish" on arrival, Ms O'Byrne said.

She is hopeful Echo will make his own way home.

"I have faith because of the type of cat it is. They are good at surviving."

Meanwhile, the four Haglund-Turley children are finding it hard to cope - especially Sophia, whom Echo used to sleep with.

"It's so sad. I miss him," the youngster said.

"She cries every night. It's heartbreaking," Mr Turley said.

Echo is orange-coloured, with black leopard markings and is micro-chipped.

If you have seen him call the Haglund-Turley family on (06) 377 3948 or (mobile) 021 2134401.