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Officials searching for exotic cat last seen near mall

Cindy Shaffer holds a photo of her exotic cat, Serafina. The animal, similar in appearance to a cheetah, was kept as a pet and has been missing for two months. The cat is described as friendly to people, but will bite if someone attempts to pick it up.

Marshall Gorby/Staff Photo Cindy Shaffer holds a photo of her exotic cat, Serafina. The animal, similar in appearance to a cheetah, was kept as a pet and has been missing for two months. The cat is described as friendly to people, but will bite if someone attempts to pick it up.

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By Valerie Lough, Staff Writer Updated 11:41 AM Wednesday, December 1, 2010

GERMAN TWP. — Authorities are on the prowl for an exotic cat missing from a German Twp. home since July, but not considered a serious danger to the public, police said Monday, Aug. 30.

The animal, an African serval cat, resembles a cheetah and is about 3-feet long, owner Cindy Shaffer said.

The cat is declawed, but will bite if anyone attempts to pick it up, Shaffer said.

The cat, named Serafina, eats mice and isn’t a danger to other pets or animals, she said.

“She’s not a wild animal, she’s not vicious,” said Shaffer.

Area police said they’ve received no reports of the serval cat harming any other animals.

“We’ve had no reports of farm animals attacked or pets missing,” said Lt. Michael Stitzel, German Twp. police.

Shaffer said her pet also eats chicken, but not live ones.

“She wouldn’t know what that is...the chicken she eats comes from the grocery store,” said Shaffer.

It went missing in early July and was last seen north of the Upper Valley Mall two weeks ago, Stitzel said.

The cat was kept in the home and never caged, said Shaffer. The animal got outside by accident and ran when it was apparently spooked by noises nearby.

The animal weighs about 20 pounds, with tan fur and black spots.

Anyone who sees the cat shouldn’t approach the animal, but contact their local police department, he said.

Contact this reporter at (937) 328-0360 or vlough@coxohio.com.

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