Cat Missing for Eight Years, Reunited at the Ottawa Humane Society

Jan. 27, 2025 — After being lost for eight years, Meow Meow, a 12-year-old cat, was reunited with his owner at the Ottawa Humane Society.

On Thursday, Jan. 23, a member of the public found Meow Meow in Nepean and brought him to the OHS. The OHS scanned him for a microchip — one of the first steps for cats and dogs admitted to the shelter — and found that the cat had an owner.

The OHS called Meow Meow’s family who rushed to the shelter that evening to collect him. Wendy, Meow Meow’s owner, said, “It was a miracle to have him back. I thought the worst, but it was like heaven to have him home. He hasn’t left my side since.”

“It’s a good news story that we love to see,” said Craig Dwyer, OHS manager: admissions & rehoming. “We scan every cat and dog who comes to us for a microchip, and it helps us get lost pets home, even when they’ve been missing for a long time.”

While Meow Meow was returned to his family, not every lost cat is as lucky. Each month, hundreds of stray cats arrive at the OHS for shelter and care. Only 10 per cent of these cats are returned to their owners. By comparison, 60 to 70 per cent of dogs are returned to their owners.

The OHS recommends cats remain indoors unless on leash and harness with their owner, and wear collars, tags, and microchips to help them return home quickly if they get lost. The OHS runs regular microchip clinics and provides microchips through its wellness clinics to ensure more pets have a permanent form of identification.

Microchip information should be updated regularly. If your pet goes missing, the OHS has resources to help them return home fast.

Media Contact
Ottawa Humane Society
Stephen Smith, Senior Manager: Marketing & Communications
stephens@ottawahumane.ca
www.ottawahumane.ca