A CAT that was missing for over a decade has been reunited with his joyous owner. 

Artie went missing 12 years ago after his family moved from Blacon, Chester to Connah's Quay. And despite them doing what they could to find him, Artie had vanished. 

But three weeks ago, he appeared in a back garden close to where he first went missing. 

Theo-Will McKenna, Artie's owner explained: "My mum moved to Connah's Quay, and he was found 20 days ago in a back garden near where she used to live. 

"He had been there for a few days and the people living there kindly took him to the vets to see if he was microchipped. He was, and the database had NCAR (North Clwyd Animal Rescue) registered, as well as my mum's name, as he was originally adopted from there. 

"An appeal to find Artie's owners was shared on Facebook and my friend showed me it and I couldn't believe it."

The Leader:

And now Artie is now back home with Theo-Will in their home in Blacon. 

"From the moment he sniffed my hand he purred," Theo-Will said. "He instantly recognised me."

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Artie, who is now aged 16, has had the last of his teeth removed as it was rotten, and has hypothyroidism, as well as pre-cancerous lumps on the tips of his ears.

Theo-Will has set up GoFundMe page to help pay for his medication and other care. 

"Any funds would be used to get his medication (£50 a month), pay for his insurance and pay for any checkups, blood tests, and anything else he may need to keep him as healthy as possible for as long as possible," they said.

The page can be visited at https://www.gofundme.com/f/arties-medical-bills.

"People must have left food out for and looked out for him," Theo-Will added. "There's definitely no way he could have survived 12 years as a stray without some form of community kindness. I want to say a big thank you to everyone who shared the appeal on Facebook."

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They added: "It's been unbelievable having Artie come home.

"I'd given up hope of ever seeing him again, especially given the time frame, so finding out he's been out there so long was really hard.

"But he's home safe now where he belongs and I'm looking forward to giving him 12 years worth of stored up love."