A Milton Keynes family is reunited with its missing cat after five years, highlighting the importance of keeping pet microchip details up to date.

Felix the cat was recently brought to RSPCA Milton Keynes & North Bucks Branch after he was spotted visiting a local property. When staff scanned him for a microchip, they discovered that he was registered as a missing pet. Felix had disappeared in 2019 following a house move with his family.

The registered owner, Tara Moore, was called immediately by staff. She was left stunned by the news. After years of searching, the family had lost hope of ever seeing Felix again.

Tara said: “We searched for Felix for months, at all different times of the day and night. We made posters and flyers and shared missing cat posts on social media.

Felix the cat was reunited with his family after being missing for five years, thanks to his up-to-date microchip. Photo: RSPCA

placeholder image — Felix the cat was reunited with his family after being missing for five years, thanks to his up-to-date microchip. Photo: RSPCA

“It was such a horrible feeling knowing he did not know where he was, especially as we had only lived in the area a short time. We all missed him so much.”

Tara came to collect Felix straight away, in what RSPCA staff described as a deeply emotional reunion.

Emily Lewry Dawson from RSPCA Milton Keynes and North Bucks, said: “We were delighted to be able to reunite Felix with his family after so many years apart. It was, understandably, a very emotional moment.”

Felix is now back home where he belongs, and spent Christmas safe, with his family.

Felix the cat had a heartfelt reunion with his family after being missing for five years in Milton Keynes. Photo: RSPCA

Tara added: “It was so overwhelming, emotional and surreal. He recognised his name and we all gave him a big hug. Once home we gave him lots of fuss and he wouldn’t leave us alone.”

The reunion brings to light the importance of microchipping cats and keeping contact details up to date. Since June last year, it has been a legal requirement in England for owned cats over 20 weeks old to be microchipped.

Emily added: “Felix’s story really shows how vital microchipping is - it really is the most reliable way of reuniting lost pets with their owners, even years after they go missing.”

Tara agreed: “Make sure your pets are microchipped, and don’t give up hope! I never thought we would have him back in our lives.”

More information on microchipping pets can be found on the RSPCA website.