Bengal cat missing for 4 days after escaping from carrier during walk on Coney Island

What was meant to be a completely ordinary afternoon turned into a pet owner's worst nightmare for one pawrent in Singapore.

Speaking to Mothership, Victoria Leembruggen said her partner had taken their cat, Simba, on a casual bike ride at Coney Island on May 27 when he escaped his carrier.

The bike ride was something the couple did regularly with Simba, she said, adding that the feline was safely secured in his carrier, and there was nothing unusual about the outing.

This time, though, he appeared to have been spooked by something and jumped out of the carrier and into the trees.

The couple is now appealing to the public for help searching for their four-year-old cat.

A Telegram group dedicated to the rescue has also been formed.

"Gut-wrenching call"

Leembruggen said she was overseas when she received the "gut-wrenching" call from her partner.

Her heart sank, she said, adding:

"Any pet parent can imagine the fear and helplessness that comes with losing a beloved pet. Being away has made it even more difficult because I can't be there on the ground helping with the search yet. The emotions have been overwhelming - hurt, worry, stress, and haunting."

Leembruggen said her partner had stopped by the beach at about 4:30pm that day to comfort Simba.

"My partner did what we normally do — he slightly unzipped the carrier so he could reach in and give him some pets and belly rubs. In a split second, Simba unexpectedly jumped out of the carrier and snapped the leash that was attached to the bag," she shared.

While distraught, Leembruggen said she and her partner reminded themselves that it was an accident and unexpected things happen despite their best efforts.

"What's most important now is bringing Simba home safely," she said.

Sweet and shy

Simba, who is recognisable by his striking black and orange stripes, is a gentle and sweet-natured boy who can take some time to warm up to people, Leembruggen said.

The shy feline can get anxious in unfamiliar environments and will tend to hide rather than confront when scared.

He may respond to his name, and like the sound of bells on cat toys, she also wrote in her Telegram channel.

Sighting

One of the Telegram users in the group said they had spotted Simba near the east entrance of Coney Island on May 29.

A blurry image shows what appeared to be a cat among the vegetation at the side of the road.

While the information was helpful, the owners have yet to find Simba successfully.

Leembruggen said one of the most encouraging things throughout this experience has been the "incredible support" from the community.

"What began as a search carried out largely by my partner alone has grown into a collective effort, with many people stepping forward to help," she said.

The Telegram channel has people chiming in with their inputs and encouragement, including from the owner of Bravo, another cat who went missing earlier in the month.

Bravo was successfully found after eight days.

Help find Simba

Those who have information on Simba can contact Leembruggen on Telegram (@victorialeembruggen) or Instagram (@djvictoriasg).

You can also join the Telegram channel here.

"Any information, no matter how small it may seem, could help bring Simba home. Thank you to everyone who has supported us during this difficult time," Leembruggen said.