Three arrested after missing cat’s severed tail found in owners’ mailbox

A 37-year-old woman and two men, aged 47 and 75, are being questioned by cops following the death of eight-year-old tabby Max.

All three were arrested on suspicion of malicious communications and failing to prevent the causing of unnecessary suffering to an animal.

The 47-year-old man was also arrested on suspicion of assault and criminal damage.

The 75-year-old man was also arrested on suspicion of witness intimidation and harassment.

All three remain in police custody.

The arrests came after beloved cat Max vanished from outside the home of owners Louise, 45, and Lisa, 47, last month.

Five days later, Lisa opened their mailbox and discovered Max's distinctive white-tipped tail.

Louise said: "I just heard Lisa screaming and crying. That is something I will never forget."

Max had disappeared after Louise put him in the front yard at around noon on Monday, September 14.

She said he had become a "real homebody" after the family moved in July 2025 and rarely ventured further than neighboring yards.

But that afternoon there was no sign of him. By 7 p.m. Louise was panicking and the couple put up missing posters the following day.

Later, Lisa went to collect their mail from the shared mail area at their apartment building - but she made the horrific discovery.

Inspector Lucy Kevan, of Humberside Police, said: "I understand a report of this nature causes concern among the community.

"However, I would like to provide reassurance that we believe this to be an isolated incident."

After the mailbox incident, Max's tail was sent to a specialist vet in Liverpool for forensic examination.

Six days after the tail was discovered, the cat's body was found by a dog walker in woods close to their home.

Samples of Max's fur were taken by investigators as part of the search for DNA.

The couple held a candlelit memorial for Max outside their apartment beside his favorite tree, with mourners tying yellow ribbons around it.

The ordeal also cast a shadow over Louise and Lisa's wedding plans after nine years together.

They cancelled a planned pub celebration and buffet following the ceremony because they said they could no longer bear the thought of celebrating.