Missing Scottish cat reunited with owners after two years

Bailey, a 17-year-old cat from Stirling who went missing over two years ago, has been reunited with his family after being found living under a neighbour's garden decking.   

Bailey had always been an outdoor cat, but as he got older, he ventured out less and less, and generally stayed close to the garden. On the night he disappeared, after going out quite late with his brother, his brother returned within 10 minutes as usual, but Bailey didn't come back. 

"We were so upset when he went missing, and his brother was lost without him for a long time," Bailey's owner, 47-year-old Heather McLachlan shared. "Since we rescued them when they were aged one, they had only ever spent two nights apart." 

Despite their best efforts, including searching the neighbourhood and putting up posters, there was no trace of Bailey. "We were out searching for him and left his bed at the door to see if he got the scent, we put up posters, the vet advertised he was missing and we contacted Petlog, but no trace," said Heather.  

Bailey's whereabouts remained a mystery until over two years later, when someone locally posted a photo online, asking if anyone recognised a cat that had been living under their garden decking. Heather immediately knew it was Bailey. Despite the challenge of coaxing him out of his hiding spot, they eventually managed to bring him home.  

A visit to the vet then confirmed his identity through his microchip, which was registered with lost and found database, Petlog, providing a sense of relief for Heather and her family, who had almost given up hope after two years without Bailey. "The vet confirmed through his chip that it was him, which was such a massive relief," Heather added. 

After a thorough check-up, Bailey has been given a clean bill of health. He had to be shaved from neck to tail due to matting, but otherwise, he is healthy and happy, and is settling back in well, and getting used to being home again.  

Heather encourages anyone who has lost a pet to never lose hope, regardless of how much time has passed: "Don't give up," she advised. "We never thought this would happen, especially at his age, but he is home, the wanderer returns!" 

Petlog spokesperson Bill Lambert added: "We're delighted that Bailey and his family have finally been reunited.  

"We continue to urge owners to ensure that their pets are microchipped and that their contact details are up to date on a microchip database, like Petlog. Microchips are small but effective, and are the best way to identify a lost or stolen pet, as well as giving owners and pets the best chance of being reunited should the worst happen, and peace of mind." 

A microchip is the size of a grain of rice which is inserted under the skin at the back of an animal's neck. It permanently identifies pets and connects them with an owner's contact details, which are held on a database like Petlog, enabling vets, local authorities and animal charities to scan the chip, match it to the owner's details and reunite lost and found pets. Of course, microchipping can only work effectively if an owner's contact details are up to date with a database. 

Further advice about keeping your pet safe, as well as information about microchipping and how to register with Petlog, can be found at petlog.org.uk.