A WOMAN whose pet cat was rescued from a canal is desperate to thank the unknown person who saved him.

Three-year-old Tabby cat Cooper went missing on Saturday, July 9 and was not seen again until he was spotted hiding in an alcove above a canal lock four days later.

Firefighters were called by a mystery Samaritan who stayed with Cooper for four hours until help arrived.

Stratton fire station's specialist animal rescue team used an inflatable sled to pull the cat to safety after it was discovered along the East Wichel canal on Wednesday, July 13.

Owner Sam Rampton, 31, of Wichelstowe, said: “I want to be able to say thank you to the lovely lady that saw Cooper and stayed with him for four hours.

“If she hadn’t have seen him he definitely would not have made it out from where he was.”

The RSPCA returned little Cooper to his relieved owner at 7.30pm last Wednesday.

“It’s not uncommon for Cooper to go for a little wander for a couple of days, which is which is why I didn’t panic immediately,” said Sam.

“But I’m so pleased to finally have him back home.”

She added: “I have asked the RSPCA to thank the person on my behalf, but unfortunately they are not able to pass on the message.”

Appealing to the unknown cat rescuer, Sam said: “Without your kind hearted action Cooper would likely still be there, if not worse.

“I hope that you will see this and know how truly grateful I am to you.”

She also thanked the RSPCA for looking after Cooper.

“Since he has come home he has slept coming up for 24 hours now. He is very skinny and even more stinky.

“All his furry housemates have welcomed him back and are waiting to play with him when he wakes up.”