A notorious cat burglar from Newport, whose exploits once made The Sun newspaper, has died aged 9.
Gizmo, or ‘Gizzy’ as he was affectionately called by his owners Pete and Jenny, had been short of breath. The vet diagnosed an irreversible heart condition and decided the kindest course of action was to put him to sleep.
Jenny Whittington – who is a radiologist at St Mary’s Hospital – told Island Echo Gizzy passed away swiftly and painlessly and may even have lost consciousness before being administered his injection.
Gizzy achieved media fame for being a prolific thief. His criminal career began at the age of 1 when he began stealing innumerable items from shops, homes and gardens in the centre of Newport, close to his residence in Lugley Street.
His haul of stolen goods included McDonald’s toys, teddy bears, 7 swimming hats, flip flops, bras, knickers, bath towels, gardening gloves, a dress, and a knee support.
Jenny believed Gizzy stole these items as presents for his humans. She claimed that the black-and-white cat was spoiled and thought that this was his way of saying thank you to his companions.
Gizmo had brought home so many gifts home that Jenny set up a Facebook Page to reunite owners with their lost property, called Gizzy the curious cat, which has over 600 Facebook likes.
Fortunately, the victims of ‘the curious cat’s’ exploits all saw the funny side of his antics, and no one blamed the cat’s humans for his thievery.
Addressing Gizmo’s fans, Jenny said:
“Just wanted to let you all know – and this breaks my heart saying it to you all – that very sadly Gizzy passed away in our arms. It was very sudden.
“He had heart failure, and it was the kindest thing to do. as it was irreversible, and we didn’t want him to suffer in pain anymore. He will be missed beyond words.”
Gizmo was born in Ryde and found his human life partners at the age of 8 weeks.
The pilfering moggy once stole a purse with a small amount of cash inside. The purse also contained a little toy. Jenny advertised her cat’s ‘find’ on Facebook to reunite the purse with its owner. However, no one came forward, so the money was donated to charity.
The curious cat also once stole a paint chart. This was useful for his other significant human Pete, who works as a painter and decorator.
Gizmo had an accomplice in his night-time exploits: Jenny and Pete’s ginger cat Thomas, who the couple believed would stand guard as Gizzy ransacked the houses and gardens of nearby properties.
Thomas has searched in vain for Gizmo since his disappearance from the property they once shared.
Gizmo’s humans believe he may have had a 2nd home as he sometimes lacked appetite, leading them to think he may have been being fed elsewhere.
Jenny told Island Echo:
“We don’t know where he went or how far. However, he sometimes came home smelling of perfume. It was the kind of scent an old lady might wear.
“He was very loving. He would never leave my side if I was poorly.”
Despite Gizzy’s light-pawed ways, he was a loveable rogue.
