Cat missing for nine years is back with owner

DETERMINED VOLUNTEER TRACKS DOWN STRAWBERRY’S FAMILY

- DANIELLE DESOUZA

A FAMILY were part of a "Christmas miracle" when they were reunited with their cat after nine years, thanks to a charity volunteer and a microchip.

Long-haired Strawberry went missing in June 2014 after failing to return to her home in Stoke, Plymouth, but was reunited with her owners-Lee and Jo Harris-Joce in December 2023.

Around two years ago, someone living around three miles away in the St Budeaux area of Plymouth found Strawberry in a sorry state and fed her whenever possible. In December, they contacted Cats Protection's Plymouth branch after becoming concerned about the animal's health.

Lizzie Smith, a lost and found volunteer at the branch, said Strawberry, who is now 11, was "covered in fleas" but was microchipped.

However, the hunt to find her owners proved to be tricky.