She might have a heart murmur, but regular Opoho School visitor Isis the cat might be giving her owners a few palpitations too.
After her star turn at the celebration of the school becoming the first in Otago to gain Green-Gold Enviroschool status last week, Isis, who lives a few doors from the school, went missing for a few days, but turned up again yesterday morning none the worse for wear.
Susan Peters said the cat, an 11-month-old silver Egyptian Mau, who lives with her less adventurous and "much fatter" sister Cleo a few doors from the school, was very sociable and loved following people.
She once followed a student to a flat in Castle St where she stayed for a couple of days before the student contacted the SPCA and her owners tracked her down.
Ms Peters said Isis worried people, who, noting her leanness, might feed her, assuming she was homeless.
She was well-fed, but did not gain weight. Ms Peters urged people not to feed her and to be assured she had a family who loved and cared for her.
Ms Peters' children Cameron (10) and Darcy (7) had been "beside themselves with excitement" that Isis had featured in the newspaper and on television.
Egyptian Mau cats were known for their sociable natures and the family had chosen the breed on the advice of cat-lover Cameron. He had been "after a cat for such a long time" and had selected the naturally spotty breed from a book. They were pleased to find a breeder in South Dunedin.
Ms Peters said Egyptian Maus were "beautiful cats".
