So how DID this cat travel 1,000 miles from Spain?
WHEN a cat found wandering around a village was handed into a veterinary surgery, animal rescue experts were only too happy to help.
And their hearts went out to the pet when they found he was blind.
On realising that the mystery cat had been micro-chipped, they felt sure they would soon be able to return him to his worried owners.
But they were stunned to discover the registration had taken place 1,000 miles away in Spain – and there were no other details on the chip.
The Scottish SPCA appealed for information yesterday after the cat was found in the village of Whitecairns, Aberdeenshire, on Thursday.
The ten-year-old – who has been named Bobby – was picked up and taken to Donview Veterinary Centre near Inverurie.
Scottish SPCA inspector Lesley Crockett said: ‘The surgery contacted us after the cat was handed in. The cat has a Spanish microchip, but unfortunately there are no address details on it.
‘He is receiving care and treatment for his eyes at one of our animal rescue and rehoming centres.
‘We are keen to locate his owner to get him home as he’s a friendly boy and we think someone must be missing him very much.’
The Scottish SPCA said there were no further clues as to why the cat was in Scotland but reckon its friendly nature suggests he has clearly been somebody’s pet.
They said they would not rule out that the animal had arrived in Aberdeen recently from abroad.
A spokesman added: ‘Apart from his medical issues he is in good body condition, suggesting he was being cared for up until now.
‘At this point we just want to reunite Bobby with his owner. Hopefully there will be a happy reunion.’
Cat lovers have shared the appeal online with other animal welfare organisations in Scotland and in Spain, while others have offered to give him a home.