Fed up with being picked on by the man, who had taken her cats several times before and demanded money, the elderly women went this time to the police.

Muang Angthong resident Umpha-wan Charoenchim said she could not sleep after her favourite cat "Nam-tarn" was kidnapped by her 37-year-old neighbour, known only as "Add".

Three times before Add had taken cats from among the 50 that the 65-year-old woman cares for.

"The first time, Add took one of my cats and asked for Bt500, but I bargained him down to Bt300. Then, he did it again and asked for Bt200, and then Bt100," Umphawan said.

The latest "cat-nap" took place on Monday when Add grabbed her favourite brown cat and demanded she pay him Bt50 to get it back. But this time Umphawan had no money to pay him. And, worried for her tabby's safety, she went to the police.

When the cat-napper learnt Umphawan had reported the incident, he rushed to her and returned the cat, claiming he was just kidding.

After being reunited with her beloved pet, Umphawan decided not to press charges against him.

"Namtarn is now safe, It's enough for me," she said.

Muang Angthong Police Colonel Thawatchai Yingcharoen-suk said the cat-napper had been encouraged after the three previous efforts to wring more cash out of Umphawan. He obviously thought it was an easy way to get money as she had not hesitated in the past to pay the ransom.

Lieutenant Chaiya Duangri-wong said he warned Add if he kidnapped any of the cats again, he might face a charge of extortion.

"It's the first cat-napping case I've ever had to deal with in my life," the bemused officer said.

Surasak Rimsueb

 The Nation