The owners were called by Cat Protection and prepared their car for the trip.

Ms McBurnie was “shocked and relieved” to learn that Beans was not only alive but grateful to be back home.

“When we got him back, we put him in the car and let him cuddle, then put him back in the carrier for the long drive,” she said.

“We were all very tired and he slept in my husband’s bed all night. Even my other cat Missy was happy to see him; they usually keep their distance a bit but they had a nice moment together and sniffed.

“I’m so glad we got him microchipped and updated his registration. Otherwise there was no way he could come back to us.”

Madison Rogers, deputy director of advocacy, campaigns and external affairs at Cat Protection, said: “It is a true testament to the power of the microchip that Beans was able to be reunited with his owners just 24 hours after being scanned.

“Without the chip, it is unlikely that Beans will find his way back to the family that loves him so much.”