POLICE believe a valuable kitty missing from a Melbourne home for nearly a week may have been stolen by a gang of cat burglars.

Percy, a four-year-old Scottish Fold cat, was last seen happily pacing the nature strip outside his Preston home about 6.05pm last Saturday, May 30.

Police say three men in an unknown vehicle pulled over behind a derelict car near Percy’s Nichol St home.

The three jumped out of the mystery car and one was seen patting the cat.

After a short period the three men got back in their car and drove off.

Percy hasn’t been seen since.

media_camera Percy, a four year old Scottish Fold cat, was last seen happily pacing the nature strip outside his Preston home on May 30.

Preston police Senior Constable David Torrelli said the thieves might have inadvertently pinched Percy with pure motives.

“It could have been the case that someone may have mistaken Percy for a stray and taken him,” he said.

Sen-Constable Torrelli said Percy’s owners were devastated.

“We’re appealing for anyone with information that could lead to the whereabouts of Percy to come forward,” he said.

“We are asking anyone who knows where Percy is to please return him to his owners.”

Police have released an image of Percy and urged anyone with any information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or to submit confidential report at crimestoppersvic.com.au

geir.o’rourke@news.com.au