Bernie the black, miniature moggy has gone missing from her Ascot St, St Kilda, home.
And owner Deborah Davis is in a race against time to find her cat which needs regular medication for epilepsy.
"I'm absolutely gutted," Miss Davis said.
"It's like losing a baby, she's just so precious to us."
Bernie became part of the Davis household eight months ago when Miss Davis spotted the stray on the centre line of the Caversham motorway.
Three months later, the fully-grown but only 20cm tall, black, long-haired cat began having seizures.
Since then, more than $1000 has been spent on veterinary bills.
"She needs daily medication with diazepam for the fits," Miss Davis said.
Because of her size and condition Bernie is not normally allowed outside unsupervised.
But she went missing a week ago, when a door was inadvertently left open.
"She's small but she has no fear - she's got the heart of a lion."
Several hundred flyers have been distributed throughout the neighbourhood, and wider afield, but to no avail.
"I'm doing up a classic car at the moment.
If I had to choose between her and the car, I'd choose her any day," a distraught Miss Davis said.
"I'm just hoping someone's picked her up and put her inside somewhere."
Bernie was not wearing her collar when she disappeared.
Because she has not had her medication for several days, she may have a bald patch on her chest caused by kicking herself during fits.
"If anyone finds Bernie please take her straight to the Dunedin South Vets, because they have her case history.
She will need medication straight away."
A reward is offered for her return.
