Once a tiny, poorly kitten, Ziggy has grown into Maltby’s famously mischievous cat – now on a diet after stealing too many snacks.

In the Haynook area of Maltby, Ziggy is more than a neighbourhood cat – he’s a ‘local legend’ says owner Amelia.

He has now been placed on “neighbourhood watch,” with neighbours kindly asked not to feed him, in a bid to manage his weight and keep him healthy.

Ziggy has a habit of turning every kitchen, garden, and even supermarket delivery into a potential buffet. | Contributed

placeholder image — Ziggy has a habit of turning every kitchen, garden, and even supermarket delivery into a potential buffet. | Contributed

Amelia joked: “It’s literally going to take a community to get this boy’s weight back down to normal again.”

Known for his mischievous ways and insatiable appetite, Ziggy has a habit of turning every kitchen, garden and even supermarket delivery into a potential buffet.

“He likes to steal chicken or anything from kitchen sides, regularly checks out what’s available in the supermarket delivery vans, and gets his tea from about five houses, at my last count,” said Amelia.

“He’s so naughty but in a loving way.”

Ziggy’s exploits are numerous and often hilarious.

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Amelia recalls one memorable visit when he strolled into a house while she was away.

“Someone had asked the Facebook group if anyone knew who owned him. When I replied they sent me a video of him just strolling in, jumping on their coffee table, and putting his head in a McDonald’s bag,” she said.

He’s also been known to steal dry pasta, bacon from frying pans, and, in one recent incident, even hedgehog pellets.

“Honestly, he’ll eat anything. You’ve got to watch him if there’s a barbecue - I’m dreading the day a neighbour comes up and says, ‘he’s stolen my sausages’,” she said.

Amelia’s Facebook post about Ziggy’s antics captured the humour and the frustration perfectly.

“I don’t think introductions are needed for Ziggy in the Haynook area. He likes to charm, manipulate, and mind-control nice, cat-loving people into giving him food,” she wrote.

“Unfortunately, the vets have fat-shamed him again… so I just wanted to urge you to please fight it! He has now been put on an extra special diet food… it’s literally going to take a community to get this boy’s weight back down to normal again.”

But Ziggy’s mischievous personality has roots in a difficult start.

Ziggy was rescued as a kitten, in a very bad condition. | Contributed

Amelia rescued him when he was just five weeks old and in poor health.

“When I got him, he was really poorly - covered in fleas and worms. He was only about five weeks old,” she explained.

“The state he was in was horrible, and I couldn’t just leave him there. I ended up buying him and reported the situation to the RSPCA. I just couldn’t leave him.”

Amelia believes that early trauma may have shaped some of Ziggy’s behaviour.

“That bad start probably set off some of his behavioural issues. He’s obsessed with food, a bit temperamental, but a sweetie at heart,” she said.

Even with his antics, Ziggy has captured the hearts of the community.

Amelia said: “There’s a little girl who walks past every day with her dad, and they always stop to greet Ziggy – she gives him a cuddle, and he seems to love the attention.”

Faith Rita, a local resident, said: “Ziggy has tried coming into our house a few times, comes for a cuddle and then off he goes. Needs a sign round his neck: ‘I’m a fat cat, don’t feed me!’”

Natalie Michelle Beighton added: “He usually knocks on my door – literally! But I haven’t seen him over the Christmas period. I don’t feed him though, as you know.”

From stealing snacks to charming strangers, Ziggy has earned his reputation as Maltby’s cheekiest, most food-obsessed feline.

But thanks to Amelia’s care, he is proving that even the naughtiest cats can win the hearts of everyone around them.