SINGAPORE - A man whose home in Punggol was invaded by a cat in the wee hours of Wednesday (May 31) called the police for help.

According to Mr Harris Abu Bakar, who posted pictures of the encounter on Facebook, a black cat entered his home at 1am on Wednesday.

He said he tried to get it out for two hours but "it was too aggressive, growling menacingly and defensively scratching to keep me away".

Mr Harris, a 33-year-old who is self-employed, told The Straits Times on Saturday (June 3) that he first tried calling the Town Council, who directed him to the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA).

He said SPCA said they attended only to wildlife rescues, and so he went back to the Town Council, whom he says directed him to the police.

Mr Harris told ST that he had an accident a few days ago which dislocated his left shoulder, and he was also suffering from tendonitis in his right wrist. He was alone at home when he called the police and explained that he was injured and needed a helping hand.

"I think the police misunderstood, they thought I was injured and they notified SCDF," he said.

Photos he put up online show police officers gathered in his home, with gloves and masks on.

SCDF told The Straits Times on Saturday (June 3) that it received a call for help at 2.13am and dispatched an ambulance to Block 178, Edgefield Plains.

However, no one was taken to hospital.

Police told ST that they received a call for police assistance at 2.12am and went to the same location.

"No further police assistance was required," said the spokesman.

ST understands that police officers helped to capture the cat and get it out of the unit.

However, the animal escaped and its whereabouts are currently unknown.