It’s not unusual for rescue workers to find abandoned cats at the door of the RSPCA Southall Cattery in West London, but one such feline’s history has turned out to be very surprising indeed!
Banjo is a regal black kitty with soulful green eyes who turned up on the RSPCA’s doorstep in a cardboard box on September 4th.
As per protocol, the staff scanned him for a microchip and discovered that he was in fact chipped – in 1991!
According to his previous records, Banjo was about 2-years-old at the time his microchip was implanted – meaning that the RSPCA Southall’s latest resident is anywhere from 25 – 27-years-old!
His caretakers believe he may very well be the oldest living kitty in the UK.
In addition to looking incredible for his age, Banjo has been described as “laid back, friendly, easygoing and gentle.” He loves eating, being brushed and greeting the many shelter visitors who ask to meet him.
In fact, Banjo is such a delight that a new family has already decided to adopt him regardless of his advanced age! He will move in with his new humans by the end of the month.
Despite the staff’s efforts to contact Banjo’s previous owners, the calls have not been returned. The facility where he was microchipped is more than 24 miles from where he finally ended up at the RSPCA in London.
All the things Banjo saw and experienced over those 25 years and 24 miles will have to remain a mystery, but at least his story has finally come around to a happy ending.
He may be 125 in human years, but this wise old kitty has proven he has a lot of life left to live. Here’s hoping Banjo’s remaining golden years are full of love and comfort in his new home – he has certainly earned it!