A cat reported missing by its worried owners is finally back home – 10 years after disappearing.

Candi sparked a widespread search in 2015 after wandering off from her devastated family in Rainham.

They gave hope of ever seeing her again – but were reunited with her in bizarre circumstances this month when Candi was taken in by Rochester-based Wisteria Cat Rescue.

She was handed to the charity following the death of the person believed to be her owner, only for staff to check her microchip and establish she had been reported missing from Rainham a decade before.

Her real owner, Katie Milgate, was in a “state of shock” after hearing the news, but rushed to pick up Candi, who was only two years old when she disappeared.

The rescue centre says the story represents the “power of a microchip”.

“Miracles do happen,” a spokesperson said.

“On making the wonderful call to her real mummy, [the owner] was in a state of shock as you can imagine.

“Thankfully, over the years, she moved, changed her details, and kept her mobile up to date.

“This is a gentle reminder - along with the law - why it’s so important to microchip your cats and, more importantly, to keep the details up to date!”

Candi was living in Rainham when she was taken in by the rescue - just a few miles from her real owner’s phone at the time.

Ms Milgate, who now lives in Faversham, added: “I'm still in shock.

“I'm so happy she has been well looked after all these years.

“She is back where she belongs with mummy and daddy.”

Rules introduced in March 2023 mean cats must be implanted with a microchip before they reach the age of 20 week, with their contact details stored and kept up to date in a pet database.

Owners found not to have microchipped their cat will have 21 days to have one implanted, or may face a fine of up to £500.

Last week, a Dover woman was ordered to pay £890 after not microchipping her Atika dog.