Little Jack wants Koodah back

By Lia Bichel
A YOUNG Berwick boy who has had a tumultuous time recently is hoping for a Christmas miracle.
Jack Ottens, 5, is hoping his beloved Burmese cat Koodah returns home in time for Christmas.
The missing cat has added misery to what have been difficult months for him.
Jack suffered a severe concussion after he fell in Narre Warren three months ago. His mother Christine said Jack had since had a change in personality and appetite, and was still undergoing medical tests.
“It’s been quite a dramatic time,” Ms Ottens said.
“When he fell and hit his head, he had to go to hospital three times. He was vomiting, had pains in the head and facial injuries. He is now fearful to do anything alone. Now, someone stole his cat.”
Ms Ottens said Burmese cats were often a target of theft because they can be sold for about $700. She was given the cat for free two years ago because it was very ill.
“We nursed it back to health and it thrived,” Ms Ottens said.
“It’s become part of the family.” Ms Ottens said the cat was microchipped.
“It’s a beautiful cat and looks like a tiger,” she said.
“We tried to put a collar on it, but because the cat’s neck size is similar to the head size, it always got it off.”
Koodah is cream with orange on his tail, back and in stripes on his head. He has had some teeth removed and has a dotted circle tattoo in his left ear.
He was last seen on Thursday 24 November on the corner of Riviera Drive and Landra Court. Anyone who has the cat or knows the whereabouts of the cat, can call Ms Ottens on 0403 124 120 or alternatively take the cat to the nearest vet or shelter.
“Because it is micro-chipped, they will be able to track us down,” she said.
“We are hoping for a Christmas miracle. Jack said all he wants from Santa is for his cat to come home and for some Star Wars lego.
“Koodah used to lick Jack’s hands and make him laugh, and that’s something he really needs right now.”