NOBODY told an unknown West London cat, that visits to other households were banned in lockdown.

But when this beautiful short haired moggie turned up unexpectedly at the home of professional artist Raph Thomas, she got more than a saucer of milk.

Thomas, whose work can be found in Ealing Broadway shopping centre, lives near Bushy Park in Teddington and was worried a stray rodent may have gained access to his flat when he heard a loud scratching noise coming from his bathroom.

On inspection, he found a beautiful grey pedigree cat sitting in his bath.

"We have a cat flap but no cat," said Thomas.

"I really love cats but I'm allergic to them, so I tend to admire them from afar."

The beauty and friendly nature of this particular animal really captured Thomas, a full time artist who specialises in eye catching rainbow patterned wildlife.

He added: "I couldn't resist photographing this cheeky visitor.

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"She was a real stunner."

From there, he got to work on a big painting of the unknown model.

Thomas, who is one half of 1of1design, often works on multi-layered mixed media backgrounds.

Having used the good weather in the first lockdown to work outside on big canvases, he had some prepared.

He then created a life like image of the subject, before adding layers of translucent colour to build up the rainbow colour.

The results were a large stunning artwork that sold to a regular client, an art-loving cat owner, practically before the paint had dried.

However limited edition prints are still available HERE.

And what of the cat?

Thomas said: "I put her back in our front garden and she obviously found her way home.

"I have seen her several times since sitting on walls.

"It would be great to meet her owners as they may like a print in lieu of modelling fees."

Fancy your cat or dog immortalised in rainbow hues?

Email Thomas on [email protected] for details on commissions.