How my ginger tom became a terrible klepto-cat | Letter

Sam never caught any birds or mice - he preferred to pilfer human food from nearby houses, writes Frances McKay

Regarding cat thieves (Cat burglars: scientists try to solve mystery of why felines steal' random objects, 20 July), some years ago Ilived in a terraced street in south-east London, and had two cats. Onewas called Sam - a large neutered ginger male, like a small lion, who was extremely affectionate and characterful.

He never caught any birds or mice. Sam preferred human food. He swiftly learned to open our fridge and remove any item he chose. We fitted child-proof locks. So he started going elsewhere - raiding houses with cat flaps.