A MISSING cat that had not been seen for five years suddenly returned to her family just in time for Christmas.
The black cat called Bindi “vanished into thin air” in August 2020 but was miraculously found last week.
Her 29-year-old software project manager owner Jilly Fretwell said: “it was really odd for her to be missing for more than a day”.
Bindi’s return to her home in Haddenham, Cambridgeshire has been hailed as a Christmas Miracle.
Owner Jilly shared many social media posts calling on people to look out for her and searched local walking routes for months.
Then, on December 18 she received an unexpected phone call from a vet.
Bindi had been handed in and despite a few minor scratches the she was “in great shape”.
Apparently the ten-year-old cat recognised her family instantly.
Jilly said: “We were just in complete disbelief.
“It wasn’t really until we saw her that we believed it was her.
“We’re just so glad we had her microchipped and that she was alive and well.
“I’ve never heard of anyone’s cat going missing for so long and turning up absolutely fine.”
There are no indications of where Bindi spent the last five years but her family believe she was cared for by someone locally.
“I think she’s been looked after by someone. she looks in great shape. She’s potentially been inside, but I have no idea” Jilly said.
She also told the BBC: “We picked her up from the vets, and it’s like she recognised us. She was instantly on our lap, giving us snuggles, and it was the best feeling.
“She had a couple of little scratches on her that the vet wanted to see to, but other than that, she looks great.”
A few years ago a cat was reunited with its owner after going missing for nearly 11 years.
The black and white cat called Missy escaped from Eve McDonnell’s car on April 23, 2009.
Despite a search, Missy could not be found and Eve, 72, gave up hope of seeing her pet again.
So she was stunned when a cat rescue centre got in touch to say the black and white moggy had been found living on the streets eight miles away from her home.
Residents in Hall Green, Birmingham, had spotted the stray living among rubbish and sleeping on top of a bin.
Eve, a retired hairdresser, said: “I never stopped thinking about her.
“You just don’t forget your pets — they are irreplaceable. I can’t believe she’s alive.”
