Couple from Weston-super-Mare reunited with cat SEVEN YEARS after disappearance

A couple from Weston-super-Mare have been reunited with their pet cat nearly seven years after it went missing.

Christine and Robert Holland lost Bugsy back in 2012 and eventually gave up looking after years of fruitless searching.

The pair then moved to France in 2016, taking their other three cats with them.

But, thanks to microchip technology, Bugsy is now back with the Hollands - a staggering six years and ten months after he first vanished.

Bugsy was looked after at the RSPCA centre in Brent Knoll, Somerset (Image: RSPCA)

Ms Holland said: “We had a phone call from the RSPCA inspector asking if we had a cat called Bugsy, we were confused and answered that we used to but had lost him almost seven years ago.

“She said that he was alive and well.

"We were shocked to say the least, thinking the worst had happened, and given up all hope of ever finding him.

"We even asked for a photo of him to be sent to us to reassure us that it was in fact our Bugsy!

“As we still have his brother, we told her that we would like to bring him over to France to reunite with us.

"The RSPCA looked after him and arranged the necessary treatment needed for a pet passport and we had to wait three long weeks before we could come and collect him.

She continued: "He is now settled with us and our other three cats, six years and ten months after we lost him.

"We would never have got him back if we hadn't had him microchipped as a kitten.

"A huge thank you to the RSPCA for getting him back for us.”

Bugsy was cared for at the RSPCA centre in Brent Knoll, Somerset, while the Hollands were travelling back across the English Channel.

Centre manager Nikki Tutton said: "We were shocked to find out from Bugsy’s owner that they had lost their cat nearly seven years ago.

“This is a fantastic example of how pets can be reunited if they are microchipped and that the details on the chip are correct.

Bugsy is now back home with his brother (Image: RSPCA)

“Microchipping your pet gives them the best chance of being identified and returned to you if they become lost - and that was certainly the case with Bugsy.

“It’s always fantastic to be involved in a happy ending – and we’re so delighted we were able to get Bugsy back to his family.

“Every animal who comes in is always scanned for a chip, and we will do all we can to trace the owner.

“While it is heartbreaking to lose a pet, if they are microchipped there is a small part of reassurance that should they be found they will make their way back home to you.

“But is is also worth reminding people that if you do chip your animal, please always update the details should you move.