In a heartwarming tale of perseverance and community, a cat in the United Kingdom has been reunited with his owner after an astounding 12 years apart. The feline, named Artie, went missing from his family’s home in Blacon, Chester back in 2012 when his owners were in the process of moving to a new residence in Flintshire, Wales.
Artie the cat’s journey back to his old home after 12 years
Theo-Will McKenna was just a teenager at the time, only 17 years old when his beloved pet suddenly disappeared during the hectic move. Despite searching for Artie for months, the McKenna family eventually lost hope of ever seeing their furry friend again.
That is, until May of this year, when Artie was spotted in a garden where the McKennas had previously stayed. The people living in the home at the time took the disheveled and slightly malnourished cat to a local veterinarian, where a microchip revealed his true identity.
“It was all due to community kindness,” the now 29-year-old Theo-Will McKenna expressed. A friend of his had recognized Artie from social media posts made by the North Clwyd Animal Rescue, which had taken the cat in and nursed him back to health.
Theo-Will welcomes Artie back with dedicated care
Upon being reunited, McKenna admits it took him some time to fully recognize his pet of over a decade ago. Artie was in need of medical attention, suffering from hyperthyroidism and requiring the removal of several teeth. But after receiving proper treatment, the reunion between owner and cat could finally take place.
“He’s doing perfectly fine, purring up a storm when he’s with me,” McKenna happily reported. While Artie is now adjusting to living with another cat in the household, the family is overjoyed to have their furry family member back home after such an impossibly long separation.
This remarkable story serves as a testament to the power of never giving up hope and the kindness of caring communities. Against all odds, Artie and the McKennas have been granted a second chance at the loving bond they shared all those years ago. It’s a reunion that is sure to warm the hearts of cat lovers everywhere.
