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| Janet Barnes has been reunited with her cat after 15 years apart Credit: SWNS |
A family has been left in shock after their cat, which went missing 15 years ago, has been found.
Originally from Cornwall, Winston the cat disappeared back in 2002 after his owner, Janet Barnes, moved in with her new husband, Peter.
The couple said Winston would often go off on his own, but they believed it was the move that caused their feline friend to disappear.
Mr. Barnes said: “To be honest it's just unbelievable. It really is so lovely to have him back.
"We have no idea where he's been all these years, I thought he must have been living with someone else, but when he was found staggering through the road he was extremely frail."
Winston, who is thought to be 17-years-old, was handed in at a veterinary surgery 35 miles away from his home, where vets were able to check his microchip and trace his owners.
"Luckily Winston has a microchip so they could trace him to us. I really believe that the microchip saved his life."Winston's owner Peter Barnes
The cat disappeared about six to eight months after Mrs. Barnes moved in. At the time the couple had dogs and teenagers, which they think may have been too disruptive for Winston.
Winston was found in Launceston by some customers of Castle Veterinary Group.
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| Winston was traced to his owner's thanks to a microchip Credit: SWNS |
Mr. Barnes added: "He was in a real state when he got to the vets, they said his fur was all matted.
"Luckily Winston has a microchip so they could trace him to us. I really believe that the microchip saved his life.
"Without it, in his condition and at his age I think Winston would have faced euthanasia."
Mrs. Barnes got Winston when he was only a year old.
Winston the cat
Winston was traced to his owner's thanks to a microchip Credit: SWNS
Mr. Barnes also said that their children couldn't believe that their childhood cat had returned home.
He is now settling in well, along with the couples new rescue dog.
Steve Cox, the practice manager at the Castle Veterinary Group, said: "We get dogs and cats that have been separated from their owners on a regular basis, but none that have been gone for as long as Winston.
"We don't know how he managed to make the epic journey from St Austell to Launceston.
"We are urging all owners to get their animals microchipped, it's inexpensive and painless, and can help you be reunited with your lost pet."
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