The RSPCA is reminding cat owners of the importance of having their pets microchipped after a Coventry family were reunited with the beloved puss two and a half years after he went missing. The animal welfare charity was contacted on 29 January after a member of the public spotted what they believed to be a stray cat with an injured leg in Common Way, Coventry.

RSPCA animal collection officer Adam McConkey collected the cat and took him to a nearby vet who scanned him for a microchip and immediately pulled up his owner’s details. Charlie, the 12-year-old puss, went missing in 2015 from his family home in Coventry - just minutes away from where he was found. Susan Moazzenkivi was thrilled to have him home, much to the delight of nine-year-old daughter, Maisie, and Jake, three.

“When Charlie went missing we put his photo on Facebook lost and found groups and we were always looking out for him,” she said. “We are just in shock that he’s now home. We can’t believe it. He seems happy to be back. I got down on my hands and knees and called his name and he came running over so he obviously remembers his name!”

Although the independent puss had a nasty leg injury that resulted in his leg needing to be amputated, he’s doing well back at home with the family.

“My daughter wrote a letter to ACO McConkey to thank him for helping Charlie (pictured)!” Mrs Moazzenkivi added. “I’d just like Charlie’s story to encourage other cat owners to make sure they get their cats microchipped.”

RSPCA cat welfare expert Alice Potter said: “It’s now a legal requirement to have your dog microchipped and to ensure your contact details are up-to-date. But it’s just as important to ensure you get your cat microchipped.

“The RSPCA urges all pet owners to consider getting their pet microchipped because it means you stand a much better chance of being reunited with your pet should they ever go missing or get stolen. Cats naturally roam and can be very independent so it’s really important to ensure they can be returned to you should they ever go astray.”