A FIVE-FINGERED cat has been returned to her family in Welling after going on the prowl for seven months.

Silver tabby Misty, who has extra thumbs on all four of her paws, was spotted by her owner Richard Ray on Battersea Dogs and Cats Home’s website last week after going missing in May.

The 72-year-old, of Westbrooke Crescent, Welling, had given up hope of seeing his pet ever again.

After leaving her home, the moggy, aged 12, was adopted by a couple who thought she was a stray. They took her into Battersea after being unable to care for her anymore.

Mr Ray was delighted to be reunited with his dexterous pet.

News Shopper: Five-fingered cat reunited with family after seven months on the run

He said: "We are so thrilled to have found Misty.

"We searched everywhere for her when she went missing but assumed she had been killed by a fox.

"I was looking on Battersea’s website for a cat and there she was with all her fingers and thumbs, we knew immediately it was her because there aren’t many cats who can give you a ‘thumbs up’."

News Shopper: Five-fingered cat reunited with family after seven months on the run

The animal centre’s head of cattery Lindsey Quinlan said: "It is so lucky that Misty’s owners managed to find her, considering she did not have a microchip.

"Those distinctive thumbs definitely gave her an advantage for finding her perfect home, but we have hundreds of cats who will be spending Christmas at Battersea this year."

For more information on Battersea, including a free family event on December 19, visit battersea.org.uk