An elderly cat has finally found its way home after it went missing for more than a decade.
Janet Adamowicz was heartbroken when beloved Boo disappeared unexpectedly in 2005 from her home in Harrogate, West Yorks.
But she was astounded to receive a call telling her the tabby cat had been found 40 miles away in Pocklington, East Yorks. The married step-mum-of-two said: ‘I got a call on Thursday to say I had a cat missing.
‘I said “I don’t think I do, they’re both here” – but they said we’ve looked on the system it says you own a cat called Boo.
‘I thought it was weird, but I couldn’t believe it when I got to the vets and they had her there – and she still remembered me.
‘I don’t know where she had been, I think possibly a stray but kept being fed by strangers – or catching her own food.’
When Boo went missing aged just four Mrs. Adamowicz plastered missing posters of her to lamposts and put an advert in the local paper.
But after a year she gave up hope and eventually decided to give a home to two other cats.
She said: ‘Boo was very lively as a young kitten and enjoyed the outdoors and adventuring – but would always return home. ‘We don’t know how she got all those 40 miles, it could have been many number of reasons. ‘She has done well as a 17-year-old cat to last that long as a stray cat – it really is remarkable.
‘Despite only being five-years-old she still remembers me and has been my shadow ever since coming home. ‘The other two cats are not impressed, but hopefully Boo is finally home for good.’
The 17-year-old cat was brought to Wicstun Vets in York – and despite being a little dehydrated and weary was in general good health.
The vets urged everyone to have their cats microchipped. A spokesperson at Wicstun said: ‘Somehow she has travelled over 40 miles from home – she might have done that last week or 13 years ago.
‘It’s not uncommon for cats to nap in vans, sadly waking up to find themselves many miles away from where they should be. ‘However, Boo recognised her mum straight away and within minutes the two were thoroughly enjoying plenty of face rubs, cuddles and meows.
‘Let us reassure you that there wasn’t a dry eye in the building.
‘All thanks to a microchip implanted 17 years ago and keeping details up to date.’
- metro.co.uk