A CAT that was feared dead has been reunited with its owner after being lost for more than a month.

Young tabby, Alfie, was taken to the Ark on the Edge animal sanctuary in Woodland, County Durham, after being found more than five miles away from home last week.

He was handed in with a female tort cat called, Dana, who was found to be pregnant and has since been sprayed.

Animal rescuer and Ark founder, Pat Kingsnorth, traced Alfie’s owner, Rachel Squires, through his microchip and praised the technology for the reunion.

Ms Squires said she was delighted Alfie had been found especially as she had feared the worst.

“I was thrilled to bits because six years ago to that day I had a similar call saying my cat had been run over and died so my heart was in my mouth when I got the call,” she said.

“He’d been missing since the Thursday before Bonfire Night and I’m very grateful to the rescue centre.”

Ms Kingsnorth added: “It’s really important that people get their animals microchipped.”

Dana has joined the dozens of animals looking for a home at the sanctuary and anyone interested in re-homing her should email Ms Kingsnorth at pat.kingsnorth@btinternet.com or call 01833630505 or 07970802286.