A cat has defied all the odds and been found 13 years after it vanished from its Dundee home.
When Smudge disappeared from Stobswell in 2009 aged just three, his owner feared the worst.
After a few weeks away it was presumed the good-looking grey moggie had been struck by a car or taken by a fox.
But two weeks ago he tuned up in Tealing - about five miles away - now aged 16.
Organisers of the popular local Facebook page Missing Pets Dundee and Angus broke the amazing news last night.
Writing on the site followed by over 25,000 people, a spokesman said two Tealing locals called Sandy and Elaine have been caring for Smudge and managed to scan his chip.
The statement said: “Although chip details were not up to date, admin went to old address, and with the help of new home owner Niall, managed to get current details for his original owner, who presumed he was dead now.
“Given the length of time smudge has been gone, owner is not in a position to have him back but has given her permission to cats protection to re-home him.
“This means he doesn't have to wait the 30 days (due to being a chipped stray) before going up for adoption.”
The statement described Smudge as a ‘lovely old boy, couthie and quiet natured.
It said he was partial to a ‘wee bit of fresh haddock.’
Smudge is currently being looked after by the Cat protection team in Arbroath as he waits to be adopted.
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