We are thrilled to report that after our information appeal last week regarding a black and white cat who was found inside a sofa at a council waste depot has been reunited with his family.

Workers at Whitehall Industrial Estate in Bathgate discovered the cat, who we now know as Gio, when he fell out of an old sofa to be discarded on Monday 13 November 2023 around 4.30pm.

Gio’s owner Nikita said: “It wasn’t unusual for him to be out for a while, but when he didn’t come home overnight she started to worry that something had happened to him.”

She was so relieved the next day when she saw the appeal to find his owner. Gio is best friends with Nikita’s daughter who was becoming really upset by his absence.

Nikita said: “We think that Gio jumped inside a neighbours van for warmth, as it was filled with pillows.

“Gio is now back home where he belongs. He’s a bit shaken up from his travels and doesn’t seem to want to venture further than the garden, but is getting lots of cuddles in the meantime until he is back to his usual confident self.”

Luckily for Gio, his owners saw the appeal on social media as he wasn't microchipped.

Microchipping your pets not only offers a range of benefits to their safety and wellbeing but it also gives you peace of mind should they ever get lost or stolen.

Although it’s not a legal requirement to microchip cats, The Society strongly recommend that cat owners microchip their pets.

It is essential to register your pet’s microchip and keep your contact information up-to-date with the company, for instance, when you move house or change phone number. There is usually a small fee for this.

Find out more about microchipping your pet here.

If anyone is concerned about an animal, they should call our confidential animal helpline on 03000 999 999.