Cat reunited with owner after two years thanks to microchip

Published on 21 April 2026

Caption: Ballarat resident Georgia is reunited with her cat, Duke, who was discovered in St Arnaud almost two years after he went missing. The reunion was possible because Duke was microchipped.

Northern Grampians Shire Council’s Community Safety team was able to reunite a family with a pet cat missing for almost two years thanks to an implanted microchip.

Council rangers collected the stray cat from St Arnaud following a call from a concerned resident.

Thanks to the microchip, the Community Safety team was quickly able to identify the cat’s owner – and that he was a long way from home.

Mayor Karen Hyslop said the Ballarat woman was overjoyed to discover 13-year-old Duke was safe and well.

“Georgia was thrilled to be reunited with Duke and couldn’t wait to take him home to his family,” she said.

“No doubt there were plenty of loving cuddles in store, particularly from Georgia’s little girls, Gia and Coco.”

Cr Hyslop said the story’s happy ending would not have been possible if Duke was not microchipped.

“If your dog or cat is not microchipped, please let this story be the motivation you need to get it done,” she said.

“The process costs about $70 and can be done through your local vet.”

More information about cat and dog ownership in the municipality is available on council’s website, here.