Cat lost for 8 months found in Chicago, scores free flight home!

New York, April 18 (ANI): A cat from New Mexico, who went missing for 8 months, was found in Chicago before it was flown home absolutely free.

Charles disappeared while under the care of a babysitter.

"I found out while I was away volunteering with Habitat for Humanity, and I was so upset because I was in New Orleans so there was nothing I could do," the New York Daily News quoted owner Robin Alex, of Albuquerque, as saying.

The reunion between the lucky tabby and Alex came about when Charles was picked up as a stray by Windy City animal control workers.

A tracking microchip embedded in the cat's shoulder blades helped workers contact Alex.

Alex couldn't have wished for more when an Albuquerque resident and a fellow cat owner volunteered to pick up Charles while in Chicago for a wedding.

Lucien Sims got an Albuquerque company to provide a cat carrier and American Airlines waived Charles' travel fees.

Cherie Travis, executive director of Chicago Animal Care and Control, said: "He needs a good brushing.

"He's got a little bit of a cold - a little bit of an upper respiratory infection - but otherwise he's in great condition." (ANI)