'Phantom Cat Shaver' strikes again with 84 cases being investigated across UK

A sick thug dubbed the Phantom Cat Shaver is feared to have attacked more than 80 pets as investigations are launched nationwide.

The attacker is feared to be targeting beloved pets with hair clippers and cruelly removing their fur..

So far 54 incidents, predominately in Kent and South East London, have been looked into.

However the number has rocketed in a week by another 30.

Of the 84 cases there are more in the same region but also others as far afield at Craigie, near Aberdeen, Scotland.

There was another attacked cat in Rugeley, near Stafford, Staffordshire and others have been reported in Southampton and Littlehampton, West Sussex.

A map showing the total number of instances in the UK (Jam Press/Animals Lost and Found in Kent)

It is prompting fears of copycat attacks.

They are being investigated by the Animals Lost and Found in Kent charity.

Natasha McPhee, 39, who runs it in Gillingham, Kent, warned cat owners to be vigilant and report cases to the police and RSPCA.

The first cases centred around the town and Chatham and Rainham.

She said: “This first started in our area back in November and have happened across the UK now.

Another of the maimed animals (Jam Press/Animals Lost and Found in Kent)

“I have no explanation why or who would do such a thing.

“In many cases the cats are left traumatised and it’s very upsetting for owners as well.

“I can only imagine that the people carrying out these attacks are doing it for their own self gratification or some kind of cheap thrill.

“Personally I think they are sick and need to be caught as quickly as possible.”

Thankfully, none of the targets have yet come home to any physical harm, although animal welfare organisations have issued a warning in case the attacks continue to escalate.

The RSPCA has told residents to either call them or the police (Jam Press/Animals Lost and Found in Kent)

Some residents are keeping their pets in at night, for fear of their pets being targeted (Victoria Griffiths / SWNS)

The RSPCA has been made aware of the events, and has urged owners to keep cats indoors at night and to report incidents either to them, or to police.

Chief Inspector Patrick Hamby said: "We may not be able to do something right away as it's very difficult if you have no leads to go on, but it lets us know what is going on and the areas it is happening in, so we can concentrate more in those areas."

"If a cat has been shaved, it would have had to have been held down by someone they don't know, which would put a lot of stress on the cat," he added.

"Your cat may show signs of not wanting to go out anymore, or wanting to go out much less."