CURIOUSITY can kill a cat - quite literally.

That's why Chris Butterworth, organiser of Petline, is urging Trafford householders to check their out buildings and cellars once a week for unwanted feline guests.

Chris says if cats don't die as a result of their accidental incarceration they can be left with serious health problems, such as kidney disease.

People should also check their gardens for trapped moggies and when checking out buildings, it is important to leave doors open as cats who have been cooped up are likely to hide from strangers.

If a door is left open they are more likely to make an instant bid for freedom, says Chris.

On a different note, six cats and three dogs have been reunited with their relieved owners.

Lost * BASIL: a one-year-old, white and brown/grey male rabbit. Went missing in the Bradfield Road area of Stretford on March 23. Call 0161 866 9615.

* OLIVER: a big, 16-year-old, white, neutered male cat with black markings. Went missing in the Snowdon Avenue area of Flixton on April 8. Call 0161 747 0932.

* MONA: a nine-year-old, tan-brown bull terrier type female dog with a white chest and a white mark on the back of her head. Went missing in the Douglas Walk area of Sale on April 13. Call 07866 573 898.

* FRECKLE: a small, 15-year-old, tabby, neutered male cat wearing a red sparkly collar. Went missing in the Shady Lane area of Baguley on April 13. He could be heading for Hale. He is new to the area. Call 07981 475 705.

* VADER: a nine-year-old, black, female cat who is described as tubby. Went missing in the Holly Avenue area of Urmston on April 15. Call 0161 747 2747.

* GEORGE: a black and white, Felix type, neutered male cat wearing a red collar. He is also micro-chipped. Went missing in the Thorley Lane/Wood Lane area of Timperley on April 21. He is new to the area. Call 07976 757 930.

* TILLY: (pictured) a very small, one-year -old, black, terrier type female dog with white on her chest and paws. She was wearing a red collar and is micro-chipped. Went missing in the Bent Lanes area of Urmston on April 20. Call 0161 748 3747 or 07725 036 854.

* ZIGGY: a 15-year-old, tabby, neutered male cat wearing a blue collar. He's also a bit wobbly on his back legs. Went missing in the Mottram Road area of Timperley on April 19. Call 0161 291 9621.

Using Petline If you would like to put a lost pet on the register or you have any news about animals but do not wish to speak directly to the owners, call Chris Butterworth on 0161 902 0483, between 12 noon and 9pm. If she is not around, please keep trying.

If you would like a picture of a lost pet to accompany a written appeal, send it to Rick Bowen, SAM, 25 Ashton Lane, Sale, M33 6TP - but speak to Chris at Petline first.