It's important for indoor/outdoor cats to have microchip in case they wander off looking for birds, squirrels, and other things that strike a cat's fancy. Sometimes cats don't always find their way back home, and leaves owners frantic in finding them.
But cats are tough survivalists. They can wiggle their way into loving arms that help them get back home.
For more stories from Alex Lemieux, check out Concerned Citizen Brings A Sweet Injured Cat To Safety, Helping Her Persevere Despite Her Many Medical Issues and 'Spicy' Cat Gets A Funky Haircut To Remove Matting, Immediately Finds Relief And Starts Opening Up
Buddy, a ten-year-old stray cat, had found a home in and around the Residence Inn by Marriott in Kapolei, Hawai'i. For over a year, employees and guests alike paid Buddy attention with pets and head scratches, but when Buddy began helping himself to fine dining on tables in the hotel restaurants, the management decided it was time for him to leave.
Some Marriott employees had grown very fond of Buddy and were desperate to find him a safe place to go before he was dumped and disregarded in the wild. They consulted local rescue social media platform Catopia Hawaii for help, and Rescue Kitties of Hawai'i (RKH) heeded the call.
Maraya, owner and founder of RKH, said one of the hotel employees brought Buddy to her in a carrier, explaining he had recently stopped eating and was in pain. Aloha Affordable Veterinary Services agreed to fit Buddy in as an emergency immediately.
After intake X-rays and tests, Dr. Kelly determined Buddy was underweight, was suffering from a flea infestation, a urinary tract infection, and had two breaks in his tail, which needed to be amputated immediately to prevent sepsis.
Buddy was missing the standard ear notch in cats that have been chipped and neutered, but Dr. Kelly located an older style Avid microchip in him. While Buddy was undergoing emergency surgery, the team traced his microchip and tracked down his registered owners.
As it turns out, he had been missing for over a year, and his family, located 30 miles away in Koko Head, Honolulu, exhausted their efforts looking for him. After hearing from RKH that their beloved cat had been found, they rejoiced.
"They were overjoyed and so excited and grateful Buddy was alive and found after being gone for over a year," Maraya said. They love[d] and missed him very much, and 100% wanted him back."
Buddy's cat mom Dulce came to retrieve him from the veterinarian clinic, and happy tears filled the room as they were reunited. The typically noisy Buddy became quiet and relaxed as soon as she cradled him in her arms.
"When he looked up at her, he looked so happy," Maraya illustrated. "He definitely remembered his mama."
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