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A Midlands couple said their pet cat has “got some kind of ASBO” after Royal Mail threatened to stop delivering their post. They said claims the kitty had been clawing at mail and fingers through the letterbox were “hilarious” as he’s “such a placid cat”.
Lee Haynes and Jo Woodley received a letter alerting them to issues with their tabby’s roaming paws. They said three-year-old Ernie had just been “playing” with the posties, but Royal Mail urged them to take action to protect its workers.
Ernie was “fascinated” with the letterbox, according to Lee – but they’ve now had to install one outside their Tamworth home that is out of his reach. The £30 purchase came after they were advised to fit a metal cage on the inside or their letterbox or find “an alternative delivery point”, the Mirror reports.
READ MORE: Woman caught with four cats stuffed in bag – but what RSPCA found inside home was worse
School site worker Lee, 44, said: “Ernie spends most of his time lying down but he’s just fascinated by the letterbox. As soon as he hears it he’s there like a lightning bolt. His paw comes out the letterbox to try and grab whatever’s there, but maybe he’s accidentally grabbing the postman’s fingers.
“He doesn’t use his claws, just the pads of his paws to try and grab the letter. But I wonder if the postman thought he might scratch.”
Lee, 44, continued: “It’s so funny. They’ve sent [the letter] all the way from Plymouth, instead of just sticking a note on the door. It’s not malicious. It’s a game to him.
“It’s hilarious. He’s such a placid cat and this is like he’s got some kind of ASBO.”
The letter sent to the Lee and admin worker Jo, 45, said: “We’re experiencing difficulties in delivering mail to your address because of the actions of a cat at your property. Your cat is behind the letterbox clawing at mail and fingers.”
The letter suggested ways Lee and Jo could combat the problem and gave them 14 days from the date the letter was received to take action – or it “may be necessary to suspend deliveries”. A Royal Mail spokesperson said: “While Royal Mail is committed to providing a consistent daily delivery to all addresses, we do place the highest priority on the safety of our employees and will ask for appropriate measures to be put in place to ensure they can carry out their role without any harm.”
