Described by owner Bart Salafia has "a real homebody", Woody, who had been missing since lunch time on a Sunday, reeked of fuel fumes and went straight for water when he was let into the family's north Orange home.

"As soon as he came wandering in, we just smelled petrol all over him," Mr Salafia said adding he believed Woody had been trapped by a snare trap, judging by a wound on one of his hind legs.

"We picked him, he stank of petrol... he had a really bad head injury and his nose was all banged up and then we checked him over and his claws had been pulled out."

The injuries shocked the family, who rushed the cat to a vet.

"The vet went over him, gave him some medication, checked his head, did some cognitive tests and said wash him the best you can," he said, adding the family were told they were lucky to get him back.

"He still smells a little bit from fuel and they can actually get a lung disease from [licking it off themselves.]

"Lucky he's not too tidy a cat."

Woody was attacked on December 12 and since then, Mr Salafia has been contacted by two other north Orange residents whose cats have been the victims of similar attacks.

"He's a bit of an anti-social cat. If he didn't know you he wouldn't come near you. They've definitely had to trap him. If you hold on to him and he doesn't want to be held he'll give it too you," Mr Salafia said.

It's also the second time one of Mr Salafia's cats has been attacked with Leo having some of his claws removed around 18 months ago.

Woody's attack has been reported to the police with Mr Salafia encouraging other pet owners to do the same.

"They were pretty good but there are no real leads ... that's why it's important for people to report it. The more reporting they get, the more intelligence they have."

He also said he hadn't received any messages from disgruntled neighbours regarding his cats' behaviour.

"I wish they did, it would be a bit more evidence for me," he said.

"It's [happening] in this area because I've started to do a map. Some people have given me some information on where they've had injured cats. So I've got a few streets. I've got a bit of an idea where they're being trapped."

Mr Salafia believes he is a responsible pet owner, his three male cats are all desexed and he does his best to keep them indoors.

"I've also installed cat rollers on all the fences, at considerable expense," he said.

He also can't understand cruelty to animals.

"If a cat comes into your yard, put the hose on it, they'll soon get the message," he said.

Along with Leo and Mac, Woody is one of three cats the Salafia family owns and has already had a charmed existence.

"Someone handed him to me [in a carpark] out of a car window. Here, you want a kitten? So we took him, he had chewing gum in him, this tiny little thing ... he's like one of the family which your pets are.

"Today's his best day, almost like he's had post traumatic stress."

Acting Inspector Andrew Barnes said Orange police were looking into the matter but had not received any other reports of cruelty in the past few weeks.

He said if arrested, an offender could be charged under the Prevention of Cruelty to animals Act although he said it was not one used regularly.

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