An Australian cat has ended up on the other side of the world, and no one knows how.

The cat, now nicknamed "Ozzie," was found by Armagh Cats Protection wandering the streets of Armagh in Northern Ireland, looking worse for wear. In a strange turn of events, when the tomcat's microchip was checked it was registered to an owner in Sydney, Australia — more than 17,000 kilometres away. Despite attempts, the original owner has not been located.

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The Belfast Telegraph reported it is believed the cat was taken to London from Australia by its owner, as he turned up at a London vet in 2004 but no further details were recorded. The mystery surrounds how Ozzie made the journey across the Irish Sea in the following years.

Do you recognise Ozzie? Image: Armagh Cats Protection / Facebook

Cats Protection co-ordinator Gillian McMullen told the newspaper a member of the public grew concerned for the cat, and called the service. "I responded to a call from a member of the public last Monday evening who was concerned about a poorly stray cat that had been hanging around her garden for several days," she said. "The poor cat was starving but obviously had been cared for in the past because it was wearing a collar."

Ozzie is larger than other cats, which is common with Australian tabby cats, and is extremely affectionate. It is believed he is at least 11 years old.

"We are desperate to unravel the rest of this cat's past and hopefully reunite him with his owners," McMullen said. "We have been in touch with the Australian Animal Register and have our fingers and paws crossed on word from them on this cat."