reunited after 11 years, thanks to microchips
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reunited after 11 years, thanks to microchips

A missing cat called Marmalade left his owners for 11 years returned home. Marmalade was just a kitten and Allegra Strauss a mere toddler when they were separated.
Mum Kerry Strauss was stunned when the Lost Dogs' Home called on Monday to say he had been found in Werribee. Although Marmalade was registered by microchip, the family had long giving up hope.

Marmalade is in excellent condition which indicates he was cared for by another family during those years. The Strauss family is willing to return him to the family looking after Marmalade over those years.

"I'd hate to think that another family is worried about their missing cat," she said.

News.com.au has the story.

'Curious' cat returns to owners after 11 years (News.com.au, 8 Feb 2007):

MISSING cat Marmalade is back home, an extraordinary 11 years after he vanished from his owners' home in Brunswick East.

Marmalade was just a kitten and Allegra Strauss a mere toddler when they were separated.
Mum Kerry Strauss was stunned when the Lost Dogs' Home called on Monday to say he had been found in Werribee.

"We have no idea where he has been this whole time," Ms Strauss said.

The curious cat had wandered from a friend's house where he was being looked after.

Though Marmalade was among the first pets in Victoria to be registered by microchip, the Strausses had long given up hope he would be found.

Lost Dogs' Home managing director Graeme Smith was astounded that pet and owner had been reunited after so long.

"It must be an all-time record. I think the owner had a bit of a shock," Dr Smith said.

Marmalade and Allegra, now a teenager, have quickly become best mates again.

"We're happy to have him back," Ms Strauss said, delighted with Marmalade's return the day before her birthday.

But things have changed since Marmalade left home.

He has to share with Teapot and Little Meow, who have their claws out for the old timer.

Marmalade is in excellent condition, indicating he was cared for by another family during his missing years. And Ms Strauss said she would be willing to return him.

"I'd hate to think that another family is worried about their missing cat," she said.

About 11,000 dogs and 9000 cats were rescued by the Lost Dogs' Home last year.

More than 5000 dogs were reunited with their owners, but only 325 cats.

From May 1, it will be compulsory to implant microchips in all cats and dogs being registered in Victoria for the first time.

The size of a grain of rice, each chip carries a unique 15-digit number that is read by scanner to identify the pet's owner from a database.

Dr Smith said the procedure was painless and extremely effective in identifying pets.