TAKAPUNA CAT FILMED OPERATING GARAGE DOOR, OWNER INSISTS HE'S "JUST A NORMAL BOY"
Footage shows the tabby standing on a recycling bin to press the button. Twice in one night.
A Takapuna cat has been caught on security footage operating the garage door of a Hurstmere Road property at 11.47pm, then returning at 2.13am to do it again.
The cat, Reginald, belongs to Davinia Cleghorn-Webb, who insists her tabby is "just a normal boy". The footage shows Reginald climbing onto a bin, pawing the wall button, and strolling inside as the door rolls up.
Neighbour Yvonne Pritchard, 71, said she'd been suspicious of the cat for months. "My Gerald, God rest him, would've sorted this with a hose. Now we've got a cat coming and going like he owns the place. Last week he sat on my camellias and stared at me. Stared."
A second neighbour produced footage of Reginald entering a property two doors down, where he ate from a bowl belonging to a dog called Bruce. Bruce was present and did nothing. Bruce's owner said Bruce was "having a rough week" and declined to elaborate.
An Auckland Council spokesperson confirmed there were no bylaws stopping cats operating garage doors, adding enforcement would be "a matter for the homeowner and, frankly, the cat". A North Shore constable said the matter was "not a police priority", but conceded the footage was "quite good".
Reginald was last seen Tuesday evening sitting on the bin, waiting. The garage door was closed. He appeared to be weighing it up.
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Reader Letters
Garry (Halswell)
Back in my day, a cat knew its place. Didn't have fancy garage doors to play with. Must be that modern food they're on.
MumOf3_NorthShore
Reginald is just a clever boy! My kids watched the video and now want a cat just like him. Maybe not with the garage expertise though!
Conspiracist_Craig
THIS IS HOW IT STARTS! First it's cats, next it's AI taking over the neighbourhood. Never thought I'd see the day.
Nerdy_Neil
Just to clarify, it's a tabby not a stray. Tabby's a breed-like coat pattern, not a stray.
Tanya_RedBeach
Why aren't they doing something about the real crime around Takapuna? Bikes getting nicked left and right, but the police are too busy watching cat videos.
bob_the_builder
@Tanya_RedBeach because cat videos are funny and bike theft isn't. That's how the world works nowadays.
YvonneTheLion
Well, Reginald did what Bruce the dog couldn't. Maybe get a cat instead of that lazy pooch!
coffeefiend_89
Lol Reginald for mayor. At least he gets things done.