“A simple microchip scan can reconnect a lost pet with their original family, even after a long time.”
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One person’s sadness becomes one person’s joy! Little “BB” was finally reunited with her owner, Scott, who had thought that his cat had died a year earlier when she had gone missing.
Scott also has a son who missed his little friend terribly and was over the moon to find out that his beloved cat was still alive and coming home…
“BB” was the name given by her adoptive mum, Libby, after she had started hanging around outside Libby and her partner’s apartment. BB stood for Black Beauty. Soon she became a fixture and the three had become a small family – well, not that small as there was already a Dragon lizard and a lorikeet in residence!
“BB” was very thin on arrival, but slowly, after having been given some love and nurturing (and a fair amount of food!), plumped up and returned to good health with her beautiful, shiny black coat.
She loved sleeping in the bed but still liked spending a lot of her time outside, though not straying too far from her new home.
Libby decided it was time for a vet check, and although she knew this would include looking for a microchip, she was inwardly hoping there wasn’t one, as she had become quite attached.
Libby found my mobile vet service and requested a house call. She explained the background over the phone, and I looked forward to meeting BB, hoping to give her a clean bill of health.
On arrival, I was introduced to the whole family except BB, who was hiding under the couch!
Eventually, she ventured out, allowing me to give her some nice pats and even letting me put her in my lap. She certainly had a black and beautiful coat and didn’t look anything like the stray that was originally described.
Needless to say, she did have a microchip, and through the Pet Find Line, we were able to track down her owner, who was elated at the discovery. Tears welled in Libby’s eyes, and she was obviously very disappointed. It was indeed very sad, and a strange kind of mood filled the room.
Though certainly not black-and-white, we all thought it was the right thing to do. We were all very happy that BB was going home, but the mood was sombre. BB was such a cute and sweet little cat who had become accustomed to her new home and was very attached to Libby. Libby certainly realised that it was something she probably should have done earlier, but time just got away, and there was probably a large part of her that didn’t want to give up this newfound family member.
“A cat that appears settled may still belong to someone who has been searching for them.”
I left before Scott arrived, but later on found out that this cat had indeed been a little bit of a traveller – she moved to Australia from New Zealand 3 years ago and is 10 years old. She was looking pretty good for 10; we all had her aged as a young adult, around 4-7 years old! She had been a stray in Newtown for about a year, during which her family had moved to Lilyfield, where she was now bound.
“BB” (Libby never found out her real name) – we wish you well back in your “new” home. Please don’t stray from home, but if you’re ever in Newtown again, you know you’ll have some friendly faces to visit!
Key Takeaways
- Microchipping plays a critical role in reuniting lost pets with their owners
Even after a long period, a simple scan can identify the original owner. - A vet check is an important first step when taking in a stray pet
It allows for both a health assessment and confirmation of ownership. - Cats can adapt quickly to new environments
A pet may appear settled in a new home while still belonging to another family. - Early action helps avoid difficult situations later
Checking for a microchip sooner can prevent emotional distress for everyone involved.
In-Home Services
In-home care forms the foundation of how we treat and manage your pet’s health. Most conditions can be assessed, treated, and monitored in a familiar environment where pets are calmer and easier to handle. Available to residents of Sydney’s inner city, Inner West, Eastern Suburbs and the Lower North Shore.
Testimonials
Debby Ross
First visit from Ari and Ellie and it went beyond all expectations. They were so genuinely interested in my two cats. Of course I couldn’t stop talking about them but they clearly were not bored. Did excellent health checks and vaccinations – was an absolute pleasure and I would totally recommend them to anybody. So fabulous having no stress of lugging…
Daniel Birchall
Elle’s exceptionally professional, warm, and helpful phone manner, together with Dr Ari’s prompt arrival, gentle approach with Hudson, and clear, thorough medical explanations and recommendations, immediately put my mind at ease. The high level of care and professionalism demonstrated confirmed that contacting VETaround was the right decision.
Amanda Yeates
Ari is the best vet ever. His home visits are incredible. Such a great service to not have to put your beloved pets in the stressful situation of a car. Or around sick pets in a waiting area. My cats LOVE HIM. Ollie my male cat NEVER comes out of hiding when visitors come over. With Ari, he not only came out, let him weigh him, have his check up done…
Charmaine Caffrey
I was very pleased with the ladies from VETaround Mobile vet. Professional, polite and very knowledgeable. Certainly eased my mind about my cat 🐈 would recommend them to anyone needing good veterinary care for their pet. We all know just how important our four legged friends are!
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if a stray cat starts living at my home?
If a cat begins staying around your home, it’s important to arrange a vet check. This allows the vet to assess the cat’s health and scan for a microchip. Identifying ownership early can help avoid complications later.
How can a microchip help reunite a lost cat?
A microchip contains identification details that can be linked to the registered owner. When scanned, it allows vets to access databases and contact the owner. As shown in this case, it can lead to reunification even after a long absence.
Can a lost cat survive and appear healthy after a long time?
Yes, cats can adapt well and may recover their condition with regular feeding and care. In this example, the cat regained weight and coat quality over time. Despite appearing settled, she still had an existing owner.
Should I delay checking for a microchip if I plan to keep the cat?
No, it’s best to check for a microchip as soon as possible. Delaying this step can make the situation more difficult if the cat already belongs to someone else. Early confirmation helps guide responsible next steps.
Why is a home vet visit helpful for a newly found cat?
A home visit allows the cat to be assessed in a familiar environment, which can reduce stress. As seen in this case, the cat was initially hiding but became more comfortable over time. This can make the examination easier and safer.
Can a cat behave differently during a vet visit at home?
Yes, cats may still be cautious or hide initially, even in their own environment. With a calm approach, they often settle and allow handling. Observing this behaviour can provide useful insight into their temperament and well-being.