Happy homecoming is microchip payoff

Runaway cat Randy and his owner, Suzanne Trewheela - reunited after five years. Photo / Michael Craig

It took five years, but Randy the cat finally came back.

After being Awol for half a decade the intrepid feline was recently reunited with his owners - thanks to a trusty microchip, a caring stranger, and the Auckland SPCA.

Randy had been adopted in 2008 as a kitten from the SPCA, where he had been microchipped. A loved member of the family, Randy provided Sue Trewheela and daughter Jody much entertainment and affection. But six months after his adoption, Randy went missing from his One Tree Hill home.

"He just wandered off," Trewheela said. "We put up flyers, contacted the SPCA but we just couldn't find him."

Fast forward to this year, and the family had long given up hope of seeing Randy again. Then came a call from the SPCA. "A cat had been surrendered and his microchip had our details on it. We were so incredibly surprised."

It turns out Randy had wandered to the neighbouring streets of Epsom. A young woman had taken pity on him, feeding and caring for him for five years. She had recently become pregnant and decided to surrender him to the SPCA. The SPCA had scanned his neck for microchip information and found the Trewheelas' details.

The family hasn't been able to thank the young woman who looked after Randy as the SPCA guarantees anonymity to those who surrender animals. But Trewheela is grateful to her. "He is very healthy and his coat is in great condition."

Randy has settled back into the family home well. "He does seem to know the place."

Auckland SPCA chief executive Christine Kalin said Randy's reunion showed the value of microchips.