A cherished family cat that hitchhiked four miles away from home has been returned to his owners.
His owners Becky and Ian Robson believe Hugo found his way into a car near their home in Malvern Road and travelled to Harpford Woods.
Becky said: “We think he must have got into someone’s vehicle close by and took a trip to the recycling centre to end up in that area.
“He had most certainly had an adventure, one that I don’t think he wants to repeat!”
The family refused to give up searching for Hugo after he failed to return home at the end of September.
Taking to social media and distributing flyers and posters, the family waited day and night for news.
They had their first sighting two weeks after Hugo disappeared in Harpford Woods. Becky, Ian and some friends took it in turns searching the nearby area and knocked on some doors, they knocked on the door of John .
The 44-year-old said: “One evening I ran right through the woods searching, checking the river, calling & scanning the fields, I ended up at a cottage in Harpford and asked if the Lady had seen Hugo at all, she said no but will keep an eye out.”
A cat matching Hugo’s description had been brought to the vets, but after its microchip had been checked it turned out it was a cat named Bazil.
Becky said: “It was so terribly distressing because he had become such a big part of our family and Jed our 10 year old son was devastated.
“My Daughters Hollie & Grace who are both at University worrying about him, we couldn’t seem to talk about him missing, on the phone without tears. Even our dog Ruby seemed to be mopping around looking for him!”
It was John and Una Gardener that found the 13 month Ragdoll Burmese cross and reunited the Robson’s , who gave them a £100 reward.
Becky said: “I completely broke down; I was so relieved he was alive; I was so pleased to see him!
“When I called him he came running to me and hasn’t left my side since. I dread to think what he had been through in those woods. He couldn’t find his way back, he was just too far away.”
Hugo is making a full recovery back at home having lost weight and his meow. He also suffered scratches to his head and ear.
The family wanted to thank everyone who helped search for Hugo and have stopped by the house to welcome him home.
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