An Inverness man thought that he had lost his beloved pet cat – only to find her living in the flat downstairs.
But Alan Clissold is now desperately trying to work out how to rescue Maya from behind a locked door.
The 35-year-old has resorted to pouring cat food and water through the letterbox of the property after being told by emergency services there was nothing they could do to help.
The flat is believed to be unoccupied – apart from its feline squatter – and Mr Clissold has been unable to track down anybody with a key to help him rescue his pet.
He said: “I’m desperate now, I’ve tried everything I can think of but nobody seems to be able to help.
“I’ve been told that she may have to stay there until January 5 when the letting agent for the flat comes back from the Christmas break.
“I just can’t imagine what state she will be in by then.”
He reported Maya missing on December 20 from his home in Reay Street in the Crown area of Inverness.
But he discovered where she had really gone a few days later after hearing her “in obvious distress” in number 1F in the street.
It is understood that the flat is a rental property and is currently between tenants.
The 14-year-old cat is described by his owner as “very timid” if she is not in her home environment.
He contacted the police and the Scottish SPCA for help after realising the flat was unoccupied.
Attempts by the police to track down anyone with keys to the flat proved fruitless.
And then Mr Clissold was told by the Scottish SPCA that its staff’s hands were tied because Maya was not in any imminent danger as she has shelter and food thanks to Mr Clissold’s letterbox deliveries.
He said: “I can’t believe the red tape that has been put up, it’s so frustrating.
“The police washed their hands of it and told me it was not a matter for them.
“Obviously if I try and force entry it would be criminal damage and then it would be a police issue. It just seems very unfair.”
He added: “If anybody knows who can get into this flat then I would appreciate their help.”