Three arrested after missing eight-year-old cat's tail is posted through owner's letterbox

Published: 11:34 EDT, 8 October 2026 | Updated: 11:41 EDT, 8 October 2026 Three people have been arrested after a missing tabby cat's tail was posted through his owner's letterbox.A 37-year-old woman and two men, aged 47 and 75, are being questioned by police following the death of eight-year-old Max.The arrests come after Max vanished from outside the home of owners Louise, 45, and Lisa, 47, in Hull last month.Five days on from the disappearance Lisa opened her post box to discover Max's distinctive white-tipped tail.Louise said: 'I just heard Lisa screaming and crying. That is something I will never forget.'Max had disappeared after Louise put him in the front garden at around noon on Monday, September 14.She said he had become a 'real home body' after the family moved in July 2025 – rarely venturing further than neighbouring gardens.But by the afternoon there was no sign of him and by 7pm Louise was reportedly 'panicking', with the couple putting up missing posters the following day. A 37–year–old woman and two men, aged 47 and 75, are being questioned by police following the death of eight–year–old Max (pictured) Louise (pictured) said: 'I just heard Lisa screaming and crying. That is something I will never forget' The mailbox inside Louise and Lisa's building - where the cat's tail was discovered - is seen hereWhen Lisa went to collect their mail from the shared post area at their block of flats she made the discovery.Following the incident, Max's tail was sent to a specialist vet in Liverpool for forensic examination.Six days after the tail was discovered, the cat's body was found by a dog walker in woods close to their home.Samples of Max's fur were taken by investigators as part of the search for DNA.The couple held a candlelit memorial for Max outside their flat beside his favourite tree, with mourners tying yellow ribbons around it.The ordeal also cast a shadow over Louise and Lisa's wedding plans.They cancelled a planned pub celebration and buffet following the ceremony because they said they could no longer bear the thought of celebrating.All three suspects have been arrested on suspicion of malicious communications and failing to prevent the causing of unnecessary suffering to an animal. Following the incident, Max's tail was sent to a specialist vet in Liverpool for forensic examinationThe 47-year-old man was also arrested on suspicion of assault and criminal damage.And the 75-year-old man was also arrested on suspicion of witness intimidation and harassment.All three remain in police custody.Inspector Lucy Kevan, of Humberside Police, said: 'I understand a report of this nature causes concern amongst the community.'However, I would like to provide reassurance that we believe this to be an isolated incident.'