2 days ago
Cat missing for two years reunited with Scots family thanks to microchip
Spot the cat vanished from her home in Aberdeen in 2023.
A pet cat has been reunited with her Scots owners after going missing for two years - thanks to the power of a microchip.
Spot the cat vanished from her home in Aberdeen in 2023, leaving her family heartbroken. Unbeknown to them, the feline had been making her way around the countryside, surviving on her own.
But on February 11, a member of the public found Spot with a leg injury in the Whitecairns area of the city. They called in officers from the Scottish SPCA, who were able to discover her microchip during a routine check.
Within hours, Scottish SPCA were in touch with her owners, leading to a heartfelt reunion two years in the making.
Her story has been shared as part of National Microchipping Month - a campaign to raise awareness about the importance of keeping pet microchip information current.
Microchipping is the most effective way to identify a lost pet and increases the chances of reuniting with their owner.
Scottish SPCA Animal Rescue Officer Lynn Cruickshank said: 'This is exactly why we always encourage pet owners to microchip their animals and keep their contact details current.
"Spot's story could have ended very differently if she wasn't microchipped. Thanks to that small chip, she's now back where she belongs.'
Spot has since had to have one of her legs amputated. She is recovering well at home and is adjusting brilliantly to life on three legs.
Her family shared: 'She's doing great and absolutely loving being back home. She's coping well and is now living a happy life as a house cat.'
Director of Innovation and Strategic Relations, Gilly Mendes Ferreira said: 'We believe it should be mandatory to microchip cats not just dogs and any other animal where it is deemed appropriate. We also believe that there should be one national microchipping database.
'Due to the roaming nature of cats, they can get lost, be mistaken for strays or return to another area after moving house, where other people may take them in.
"Mandatory microchipping would help identify owners and keep people and their pets together.
'Scotland needs to implement this to stop owner disputes, cat theft and to help identify negligent owners. The Scottish SPCA is actively promoting the benefits of microchipping cats and encouraging owners to get their pet's microchipped.
'While it's not yet a legal requirement for cats in Scotland, we strongly recommend it for the safety and well-being of cats.
'We include microchipping as a standard procedure before rehoming cats and provide information on the importance of keeping contact details up to date."
Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community!
Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today.
You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland.
No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team.
All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in!
If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'.
We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like.
To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
