Gather ’round, folks, and let me introduce you to Cleo, a feline resident of Katy, Texas, who’s become a local legend for his “purr-fect” crimes.
This isn’t your average cat burglar; Cleo is a literal cat who’s been caught on camera stealing an assortment of items from his neighbors.
From socks and yard gloves to bathing suits and t-shirts, if Cleo can get his paws on it, it’s as good as gone!
Cleo’s owner, Jeanne Wheat, is both amused and apologetic about her four-legged friend’s escapades.
“I want to apologize because some of the items he has brought home, like a pair of women’s shapewear, are kind of pricey,” she confesses.
Initially, Cleo was content to lounge around the house, soaking up the sunbeams and enjoying the occasional catnip toy.
But something changed, and Cleo decided to take his talents to the streets—or rather, the neighbors’ homes.
When summer rolled around, Cleo’s criminal activities escalated.
“This summer we were traveling, and he got pretty crazy about stealing,” Wheat recounts.
“A couple of neighbors told me he has climbed into their house through their window.”
That’s right, folks—Cleo isn’t just a garden-variety thief; he’s a full-blown cat-burglar, scaling walls and slipping through windows to expand his collection of stolen goods.
But wait, there’s more!
Cleo isn’t just limited to traditional cat targets like socks or gloves.
This tech-savvy kitty has a taste for electronics too.
“He took a computer mouse, still in the bag,” says Wheat, clearly astonished by her pet’s audacity.
So, if you’re missing a mouse and you live in Katy, you know who to blame.
Feeling a bit embarrassed by Cleo’s increasingly notorious reputation, Wheat decided to take some corrective action.
She began washing all the stolen items and placed them outside her home, accompanied by a sign that reads, “I apologize on his behalf. Look through his loot and recover your stuff.”
It’s like a reverse yard sale, courtesy of Cleo’s criminal endeavors.
Now, you’d think that the neighbors would be pretty miffed about their disappearing belongings, but you’d be wrong.
Cleo has become a sensation, capturing the hearts and funny bones of the community.
“The most viral subject on our neighborhood Facebook page,” Wheat declares, her voice tinged with a blend of pride and mortification.
Cleo’s fame has even led to some entrepreneurial opportunities.
The community has rallied to create t-shirts featuring the klepto-kitty, and a portion of the sales goes to a local animal shelter.
“Everybody just thinks it’s great and funny,” says Wheat, amazed at how her pet’s mischievous behavior has turned into a force for good.
As for the psychology behind Cleo’s thieving tendencies, it’s not as simple as feline kleptomania.
Dr. Roberta Westbrook of the Houston SPCA offers a more nuanced explanation: “I have seen it before in cats that have developed a sub-straight affinity. It means they have an affinity for a certain type of material. Cloth, clothing, anything that is soft or fluffy. That can certainly happen in cats as well.”
Despite Cleo’s newfound fame and the community’s affection for him, Wheat has made some attempts to curb his criminal activities.
“I chastised him a little bit, kind of thinking maybe we could break the habit,” she admits.
“But then I realized it was a losing battle. He’s basically a teenager.”
So, if you happen to be in Katy, Texas, keep an eye on your belongings, or you might just find them featured in Cleo’s next viral Facebook post!
Check out Cleo the catnapper and his owner in the video below.
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