Cat reunited with owner after six years

Hicks' owner moved to Exeter soon after she went missing

An Exeter woman says she's 'in shock' after being reunited with a cat - who disappeared six years ago.

An RSPCA centre in Milbrook in Surrey received a call from someone who'd seen the female black cat, called Hicks, straying near Guildford 10 days ago.

After scanning her for a microchip, staff found an email address for Ysella Sims, who had moved house over that summer in 2014 in preparation for relocating to Devon.

Ysella said: “I couldn’t believe it when I saw the email, I was just in shock, it’s not what you expect after six years, but of course we were all delighted.

“We adopted Hicks’ sister Claudie at the same time and sadly she passed away this summer so it is so lovely to have something positive to focus on.

“She has obviously been well looked after as she is in great condition and certainly isn’t underweight, in fact she clearly enjoys her food!

“We also have a labradoodle and they get on great together, particularly enjoying cuddling up on the sofa so she is feeling right at home.

“I am so pleased I had her microchipped and would like to encourage other pet owners to be vigilant about keeping their details up to date.

Oriana Lovato, reception supervisor at RSPCA Millbrook, said: “We are so happy to have reunited Hicks with her rightful family, it is lovely to be part of a happy ending.

“Hicks is such an affectionate cat she was a real hit with all the cattery staff here so we are pleased she is back in her home.

“We will always check animals brought into us for a microchip and also place them on websites such as Pets Located so it is vital owners keep these details up to date just in case they do lose their animals.”