Ottawa cat reunited with owner after missing for 8 years

Meow Meow the cat reunited with his owner after being missing for eight years. (Ottawa Humane Society/release)

A cat has been reunited with his owner after eight years, with the help of a microchip on the feline.

A member of the public found Meow Meow, a 12-year-old cat, in Nepean on January 23 and brought him to the Ottawa Humane Society (OHS).

When Meow Meow arrived at the shelter, staff scanned him for a microchip and discovered that the cat had an owner, according to the humane society.

When staff called the cat’s owner to let them know Meow Meow had been found, they rushed to the shelter that evening.

“It was a miracle to have him back,” Wendy, Meow Meow’s owner, said in a statement.

“I thought the worst, but it was like heaven to have him home. He hasn’t left my side since.”

Meow Meow had no apparent health issues after being found.

The humane society says each month, hundreds of stray cats arrive at the shelter, but only 10 per cent of the cats are returned to their owners because they don’t have a microchip.

“The OHS recommends cats remain indoors unless on leash and harness with their owner, and wear collars, tags, and microchips to help them return home quickly if they get lost,” the humane society said in a statement.

“The OHS runs regular microchip clinics and provides microchips through its wellness clinics to ensure more pets have a permanent form of identification.”

Approximately 60 to 70 per cent of stray dogs that arrive at the Ottawa Humane Society are returned to their owner.