Missing Cat Found After 536 Days, Jumps into Owner's Arms in Emotional Reunion

Cats are known for their independence, preferring their own space and company. They are highly self-sufficient. In fact, one might wonder if they would need us at all, even if they could use a can opener.

Although cats have an innate curiosity that drives them to explore, their tendency to wander can cause anxiety for their owners. When a cat doesn’t return home as expected, their safety may be compromised.

Mindy and Luke Criner’s beloved ginger boy was missing for 536 days, but his return brought happiness and hope to their lives.

In 2015, Mindy and Luke adopted a timid kitten named Cat from a local shelter. Despite his shyness, they were drawn to him and knew he was meant to be part of their family.

Mindy shared that her cat became her sidekick after initially forming a bond with her husband. Eventually, the cat started to lay on her chest and purr, marking the beginning of their special relationship.

After receiving love, Cat gained enough confidence to explore his yard. Unfortunately, during one of his adventures, he didn’t return.

At the beginning of May, he went missing after going out for a short period during the day, but he always returned for meals and would announce his arrival with a loud meow.

“Following the arrival of a new collar, I put it on my pet and allowed him to play in the front tree. Suddenly, I had a premonition that I wouldn’t see him again, leading me to call my husband and confide in him.”

After I put the new collar on my pet, I let him play outside in the tree as usual. When he paused and looked at me, I had a premonition that something terrible would happen to him. I immediately contacted my husband and shared my fears.

Mindy had assumed that it would be a typical day until her partner didn’t return for dinner and failed to respond to her calls. Her growing worry turned into full-blown panic by the next morning.

In an effort to locate their missing cat, the family took swift action by posting on the Lost & Found Pets – Hampton Roads, VA Facebook page and placing their cat’s litter box and food outside, hoping that the familiar scents would guide their furry friend back home.

Despite their diligent nightly search efforts, the cat remained missing, and there was no sign of its whereabouts in the neighborhood.

To maximize my cat’s safety, I had him implanted with a microchip and equipped him with a collar that displayed my name and the contact information of his veterinarian. This would ensure that if he got lost or was struck by a car, anyone who found him could easily scan his collar and notify me immediately.

Time passed by and the pain of losing my pet only grew stronger. But after 536 days, on Halloween, I received a voicemail from Animal Control and an email from the microchip company, both delivering the news I had been longing for – my pet had been found!

Mindy couldn’t believe what she was reading and immediately assumed it was a mistake.

Upon receiving AC’s voicemail instructing me to contact the Peninsula Regional Animal Shelter to locate him, I immediately drove to the shelter. As I walked through the door, I couldn’t help but hold back tears.

As soon as AC arrived on the scene, a man in his 60s came forward, stating that he had been feeding a cat that he believed to be female for over a year. However, tragedy struck when the cat, whom the man named “Cat”, was hit by a vehicle. Instead of seeking medical attention for the injured feline, he contacted AC and reported a “stray” in need of assistance.

AC promptly assessed the cat and discovered crucial information through a microchip scan. Interestingly, the gentleman was not even aware of the existence of microchips. Despite his lack of knowledge, he kept Cat at his residence until Mindy, the cat’s owner, was contacted.

Without delay, Mindy was able to retrieve Cat later that same day thanks to the man’s cooperation and assistance. The incident served as a reminder of the importance of microchipping pets and the kindness of strangers willing to lend a helping hand.

The unexpected encounter was simply surreal. Despite the fact that he was a mere 1.8 miles away and only a couple of blocks from the park where we routinely take his tiny human, the reunion was entirely unplanned. It was at that moment when I spotted him on the porch, munching away on his meal that I couldn’t resist calling out his name in my signature kitty type call.

Astonishingly, he meowed back in response and then proceeded to finish his food before sauntering over toward me. To avoid any potential fear or unease, I stayed seated on the steps as he confidently walked up and nestled himself comfortably in my lap, purring contentedly as we reconnected after all this time.

After arriving home, our furry friend made a beeline for the bathroom where we store our indoor plants during the winter. It’s become a mini jungle, and he quickly settled into his customary spot, leaving me with a mixture of heartbreak and joy.

“His canine siblings came up to see him, they all had their own welcome home head boop moments too,” Mindy revealed.

“I hope that our story will give others missing their pets hope, and maybe those who have unknowingly taken in someone else’s pet will check to see if they’re scanned so that pet can have their happy reunion with their family, and someone else can feel the overwhelming joy we’re experiencing,” she added.

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