The University of Vermont is hoping its cat has nine lives. The cat is really a mascot that's part of sign - a 200-pound, nine-foot by seven foot aluminum snarling mascot that is jumping through an oversized V.

The sign had been taken to a South Burlington business for updating when it disappeared Jan. 27. The big hunk of aluminum featuring a snarling catamount jumping through an oversized "V" was due for updated graphics and had been taken to Sign-A-Rama at 3037 Williston Road in South Burlington. Before the work could be done, the sign was stolen. It disappeared between Jan. 27 and Thursday, South Burlington Police said. University of Vermont officials want the cat to come home. The plan is to give it a makeover and display it on Patrick Gymnasium, not far from a twin sign that already has been updated.

A reward -- in the form of sporting event tickets -- is being offered for the sign's return.