An East Grinstead cat that spent three and a half years on the run to avoid a trip to the vet has finally been reunited with his owners, thanks to Cats Protection.

Black cat Sam went missing back in July 2004 after he wiggled out of his cat carrier and managed to squeeze himself out of a slightly open car window.

His owner, Mrs Woodham, then spent the following weeks frantically searching for Sam and even put up posters in the hope someone would recognise him, but sadly to no avail.

However, in January Sam was found among the garden of an East Grinstead resident who thought it best to bring him to Cats Protection’s adoption centre in Chelwood Gate where he was scanned and found to have a microchip.

Mrs Betty Boud, Manager at Cats Protection’s National Cat Adoption Centre, explained:

“Once we discovered Sam was microchipped, we tried to contact his owner but because she had moved house, our only option was to leave lots of messages in the hope she still received them. Thankfully, she did get in contact and came to the adoption centre where a happy reunion took place!”

Mrs Woodham, who has previously volunteered for Cats Protection at its Crawley branch, said: “When I received a message from Cats Protection to say they had found Sam, I couldn’t believe my ears! I never thought I would see him again.

Amazingly, he is very healthy and happy and I think this is down to the wonderful residents of East Grinstead who must have played a big part in Sam’s survival over the last few years.”

She continued: “I have always made sure all my cats are microchipped and Sam’s story just goes to show why this is so important.”

For more information about microchipping and general cat care, or to adopt a cat from Cats Protection, please call the charity’s helpline on 08702 099 099 or visit www.cats.org.uk