STAFF at the RSPCA are trying to trace the owner of a cat which jumped out of the back of a van in Topsham.

The grey and brown tabby-coloured cat leaped out of the back of a van which is thought to have come from the St Thomas area of Exeter but it is not known when or where it got into the van and how far it had travelled.

A member of the public spotted the animal in Fore Street recently. The concerned member of the public picked up the cat, which was not wearing a collar, and took it to St David’s Vets for safe keeping.

Thought to be around four-years-old, the cat was distressed by his ordeal but in good health and is now being cared for at the RSPCA Little Valley Animal Shelter, in Black Hat Lane, Exeter.

Jo Evans, RSPCA Little Valley deputy manager, said: “We have information to suggest the cat either jumped out of a van which had writing on it to suggest it came from St Thomas in Exeter or someone locally had information about the van or had spoken to the driver, so they knew the last place it has stopped prior to Topsham, was in St Thomas.”

Now the RSPCA is keen to trace the owner of this cat, which RSPCA staff have named Barnaby, and reunite them with their pet.

Jo said: “Sadly, whoever owns this cat has not had him microchipped so we have no way or tracing his owner.

“He is quite a handsome chap so we hope somebody will recognise him as their pet or as belonging to somebody that they know - either in Exeter or perhaps further afield.”

Anyone who recognises this cat, or has information about the van he stowed away in is urged to contact the RSPCA Little Valley Animal Shelter on (01392) 439898.