A purr-fect ending as cat missing for A YEAR from Liverpool is found ... in Wigan!

Adventurous Pixie went missing from her home in Litherland, back in January 2019, and when she hadn’t returned after a few days her distraught owner Nicola Pinel began to fear the worst.

But last month the RSPCA received a report from workers who were concerned about the well-being of a stray cat they had seen living in a warehouse in York Road, Ashton-in-Makerfield.

The RSPCA sent Inspector Paul Heaton to the scene. He was able to safely catch the female cat, had her checked over and found she had been microchipped.

Her owners’ details were found and Animal Welfare Officer Matthew Brown was sent to the address given in Litherland but discovered Pixie’s owners had moved from the property.

Fortunately a neighbour knew their new address in nearby Bridge Road so they were able to reunite Pixie with her family which includes Nicole, her partner Adam Cliff and their two children Ellie-Mae (6) and Olivia (2) - as well as their other cat Trixie.

Nicole said: “I was amazed that Pixie had been found safe and well. She was always a curious cat and would wander off sometimes for a day or two but the neighbours knew her and fed her so I wasn’t too worried at first.

“But after a few days of checking with people living nearby and no-one seeing her I thought the worst - that perhaps someone had taken her or she had been involved in a road traffic accident.

“Then a year later I got a call out of the blue to say she had been found safe and well - over 30 miles away - but I was delighted she was safe.

“I was worried she might have forgotten us and she was always such an affectionate cat so was wondering if she had changed. But as soon as the RSPCA brought her round she jumped straight on my knee and wanted cuddles. It was as if she had never been away.

“My eldest daughter was so pleased to have her back and my youngest who cannot remember Pixie thinks it is great she has another cat in the family now.

“She is doing so well and I had her checked by a vet who said she was in great condition - just a bit overweight so I think the warehouse workers must have been looking after her and I am so grateful to them."

Inspector Paul Heaton said he believes Pixie may have been picked up accidentally in a van which collects charity donations which led to her living over 30 miles away.

He said: “The warehouse where she was found deals with charity donations and we know they collect from the Litherland area so we think Pixie may have got herself in one of the donation bags and ended up on quite a journey.

“As Pixie’s tale proves, cats can find themselves lost many miles from home so it’s essential for pet-owners to have their animals microchipped so they can be reunited if something like this happens.

“In order for microchipping to be successful owners must also ensure that the contact details are kept up to date.”

Latest figures show that more than one in twelve cat owners (8%) say that their details have changed but they have not updated them, so for 870,000 microchipped cats, scanning will give incorrect contact information.