Ken Ridge, 65, and his son Bradley, 30, received the warning after the postman was targeted by kitten Illy at their home in Clapham. Office manager Mayo Sonubi wrote: "I am writing to let you know that, on June 6, our postman was attacked by your animal in your premises while delivering mail to your address. Animal attacks are a major cause of injury to Royal Mail staff and so I am writing to seek your co-operation in preventing a repeat of this unfortunate incident. I must advise you that, if any further incidents of this nature are allowed to take place, I shall have no alternative other than to consider suspending the delivery of mail to your home."

But Mr Ridge said friends and neighbours thought the threat was laughable and he plans to ignore the letter. "We were not around when this happened, but it seems some mail was put through the letterbox and their hand was scratched. Illy is only a kitten and I am sure she was just playing," he said.

Mr Ridge, who runs a fruit and veg business, added: "Everyone finds it so amusing that our playful kitten has been mistaken for some savage beast." A Royal Mail spokesman said it takes animal attacks seriously.  "The member of staff suffered a very bad cut to her hand which required treatment while delivering mail through the letterbox of the address," he said.

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