A cat named Artie has been reunited with its owner, Theo-Will McKenna, 12 years after disappearing from the family home. Artie went missing when McKenna’s family moved from Blacon in Chester to Connah’s Quay in Flintshire, Wales, in 2012. McKenna, then 17, searched for Artie for six months, but eventually, the family lost hope.
Three weeks ago, Artie was found in a garden near the family’s former home in Connah’s Quay. Residents took the cat to a vet, who discovered a microchip registered to McKenna’s mother. North Clwyd Animal Rescue (NCAR) was contacted, and they shared a Facebook post to find Artie’s owners. A friend of McKenna recognized the cat and informed him.
McKenna expressed disbelief at the reunion, saying, “I thought there was no way it could be him. It had been 12 years — he went missing when I was 17. I thought no cat could survive 12 years on the street.”
Artie, now 16 years old, received medical treatment, including dental work, treatment for hyperthyroidism, and removal of precancerous lumps. McKenna brought Artie to his apartment, where he is adjusting to life with McKenna’s other cat. Despite some initial wariness, McKenna is determined to keep Artie, saying, “He’s purring up a storm every time I go near him.”
McKenna believes community kindness helped Artie survive, as he likely received food and care from people over the years. Artie will require ongoing medical care, costing about £50 ($64) per month. McKenna has started a fundraiser to help with the expenses, ensuring Artie can spend his twilight years in a loving home.
