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Epworth Richmond patients and staff were concerned when their 'head of security' recently disappeared.
Elwood the cat has been patrolling the Erin Street entrance to the private hospital since 2018, greeting passers-by and basking in the sunny gardens.
His disappearance this year caused such a stir across Melbourne that 3AW Drive radio host Jacqui Felgate launched a campaign for his return that quickly went viral.
After being missing for about a week, it was discovered that 14-year-old Elwood had been sold online as a three-year-old female cat.
The feline's new 'owners' had the cat checked at a local vet in Pakenham, and a quick microchip scan resulted in Elwood being returned to his rightful owners – Richmond residents Juliette and Andrew.
"We were blown away by the messages of support coming through when he was missing and when he was found," Juliette said.
"Elwood was a bit rattled when he got home and was very happy to curl up and sleep, but the next day he was fine."
Elwood is back at Epworth Richmond with a new security badge
Elwood first drew worldwide attention in 2020, when he was issued with an ID badge as an unofficial member of the Epworth security team.
Juliette said he came home one day during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown, wearing the Epworth 'Head of Security' badge.
Soon after, "Elwood the hospital cat" was trending online globally.
His story was covered in the USA, Germany, United Kingdom, India, Malaysia and many other countries during the pandemic, at a time when people were gravitating to good news stories.
"We would Google his name and find stories from all over the world," Juliette laughed.
"It has been so funny and lovely."
Juliette and Andrew first adopted Elwood and his brother Jake (named after the iconic Blues Brothers) when they were the last two kittens left at the RSPCA, much to the delight of their then primary-school-aged daughters.
Juliette said it surprised many that Elwood was not affectionate at home.
"I wonder if he saves it for his day shifts across the road at Epworth," she said.
"His brother Jake is friendlier, but he likes to stay at home.
"I think Elwood likes it outside Epworth because he can hide away in the garden if he wants to, but he can also come out when he wants a pat.
"He's really struck a chord with staff and patients. Sometimes we'll come to call him in for dinner and patients will mention how much they enjoy seeing him."
Elwood is now back to his usual routine with a fresh ID badge and new accessory – a location tracker.
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