Here’s an animal story that’s brought a smile to the face of Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews after the debacle of one of his ministers being forced to resign last year for giving his dogs taxpayer-funded, chauffeured rides.

Mr Andrews’ family has been reunited with their long-lost grey moggy Smokey.

Eight months after going missing, Smokey was found shaken and stressed a few suburbs from the family home in Mulgrave, Mr Andrews says.

A scan of the cat’s microchip revealed his owners.

“We don’t know what she’s been up to but we do know she’s home,” the premier posted to Facebook.

Wife Catherine said that after eight months, the family had almost given up hope.

“Such a happy day getting a call from RSPCA Victoria,” she tweeted, along with a picture of son Joseph holding their cat.

The RSPCA says the incident serves as a reminder about the importance of ensuring pets are microchipped and registration details are kept up to date.

“”We’re delighted that we were able to reunite Smokey with his family,” RSPCA Victoria acting chief executive Greg O’Brien told AAP.

-AAP