'Christmas miracle' as cat missing for nine years returns

Strawberry the cat's microchip has now been updated

A family has been reunited with their missing cat after nine years, thanks to a charity volunteer and a microchip.

Long-haired cat Strawberry disappeared in June 2014 after failing to return to her home in Stoke, Plymouth.

The cat was reunited with owners Lee and Jo Harris-Joce in December.

About two years ago, someone living 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 years old, was "covered in fleas" - but was microchipped.

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

'An emotional moment'

"The email linked with Strawberry's chip was incorrect, so I phoned the number and left a message," Ms Smith said.

"After receiving no answer, I went to the address linked with Strawberry's record a few days later but her owners had moved on.

"Running out of options, I searched social media and luckily her owners have a distinctive surname, so I sent a message to a lady with the same name, asked if she was missing a cat and added a strawberry emoji.

"Her owner Jo responded almost immediately, she was in shock and elated, it was an emotional moment all round."

It was Mr Harris-Joce, 43, and 12-year-old daughter Emily who were the first to see their cat again.

Ms Smith met Mr Harris-Joce and Emily at Exeter service station to "shorten the journey for everyone" as the family now lives in Portsmouth.

Emily and Lee Harris-Joce were reunited with their cat at Exeter Airport, met by Lizzie Smith from Cats Protection

Mr Harris-Joce said: "We kept Strawberry's microchip active in the hope that one day she may be found and we would always have that link.

"I was absolutely shocked when I heard the news that Strawberry had been found."

Mrs Harris-Joce, 36, added: "My daughter was in tears when we told her, she's so glad to have her back.

"Strawberry recognised us immediately and has not stopped purring since coming home… it really was a Christmas miracle."