The mystery of Jessica the cat has been solved, with an Antipodean twist on what seemed like a 300-mile journey from Kent to Baildon.

But, despite an explanation emerging from the other side of the world, the cat has still strayed from home and needs to get back.

The black and white puss baffled Wharfe Valley Cats Protection when she was found in Baildon, because her microchip was registered to Samantha Foster of Chartham Down, near Canterbury.

But, following an appeal in the Telegraph & Argus, a distraught Mrs Foster called the charity from her home - in New Zealand.

Mrs Foster emigrated to the southern hemisphere from Canterbury in 2005, and came to say her goodbyes to family in Keighley. It was then that Mrs Foster gave Jessica to the former Prune Park Rescue in Allerton.

The car was re-homed by the rescue centre, but there are no records about Jessica's new family.

The charity has been in contact with former staff at the centre but has drawn a blank and, unless the family comes forward, will look to re-home the nine-year-old cat.

Branch co-ordinator Graham Hoult said Mrs Foster was upset to hear about her cat, which she had considered safe before flying out to New Zealand.

He said: "She was very upset but she was relieved to know Jessica was okay. She even fantasised about flying her out to New Zealand, but it would cost about £3,000. We are appealing now for the owner of a missing black and white cat, perhaps in the Shipley or Baildon area, to come forward. She may not be called Jessica now. If not, we will look to re-home her.

"She is a lovely, docile pet and a friendly, lap-sitting cat, anyone would be glad of her. We have an elderly lady in mind - they would be perfect companions." Jessica is currently staying at Baildon Veterinary Centre.

The charity is also looking after another female black and white cat called Scrappy, which was found six weeks ago in Menston. Her microchip indicates she belongs to Miss Easey, who has lived in Boston Spa and Kirkby Overblow, Harrogate.

Mr Hoult said: "This sort of thing happens a lot. Owners register with the microchip firms but then do not inform them if they move.

"With one in five cats now having microchips, it is vital they keep them updated."

Wharfe Valley Cats Protection can be contacted on (01943) 876104.