Epsom cat reunited with owners by Croydon charity after six months

The cat, Leonard, was discovered by the staff at Hever Castle in Edenbridge in Kent, the former home of Henry VIII’s second wife Anne Boleyn.

The cat was found near the greenhouse of the castle grounds by Gardener Thomas, who helped to find her a bed in the greenhouse and feed her whilst he contacted several animal charities to help trace the cat’s owners.

During his time spent at Hever Castle the cat, nicknamed Puffball by staff, built a bond with the gardening team and even took to “sitting on Thomas’ lap” as he weeded the garden.

The cat formed a friendly bond with the gardeners (Image: Hever Castle & Gardens)

Eventually, with the help of charity Croydon Animal Samaritans, the cat’s owners were traced after having gone missing for six months.

Head Gardener Neil Miller said: “The gardeners were quite emotional handing over Puffball, however we were comforted that, following the quick assistance of this amazing charity, it resulted in a very happy ending.”

Leonard has now been safely returned to his owners in the Epsom area in Surrey, as a result of the charity being able to trace his owners through microchipping.

In England, from June 10 this year, it will become law to have your cat microchipped from 20 weeks of age, with owners who fail to do so facing fines of up to £500.

Head Gardener Neil Miller was comforted by the happy ending for Puffball (Image: Hever Castle & Gardens)

Karen Gleaves, Trustee and Volunteer at Croydon Animal Samaritans, says: “This is another example of the importance of microchipping.

“Because Leonard was microchipped and his owners’ details were correct, we were able to reunite him very quickly with his happy owners, after being missing for around 6 months.

“Microchipping will ensure that you are reunited with your beloved pet very quickly, if they are one of the lucky ones that get picked up by a rescue.

“Please keep your details up to date though.“