Feline Liberation: 13-Year Long Ordeal Ends with Cat's Rescue
In an extraordinary turn of events, a cat named Caesar has returned home to his family in Gärtringen, a district of Böblingen, Germany, after a 13-year absence. For about eight years, the family had assumed Caesar had died as a stray, but his unexpected return has brought them immense joy.
Caesar, now an elderly cat, has gained weight and appears fit and active months after his return. His story is a rare one, as most lost cats do not return after such a long period, or are found within much shorter timeframes. In fact, the case of Minx, a cat who returned home after 13 years, is considered extremely rare[1][2].
The Böblingen animal shelter has confirmed Caesar's story, and they consider such a long return to be highly unusual for stray or missing cats. While it is possible for stray pets to find their way back, decades-long returns are extraordinary and highlight the importance of microchipping for lost pets to enable identification if found[1]. In Caesar's case, he was identified through a tattoo and a pet register like Tasso e.V.
Ruben Andert, who grew up with Caesar, always kept an eye out for him. Tragically, Caesar's sister Cleopatra passed away at home at the beginning of this year, at the age of almost 16. Caesar's return came just after Cleopatra's death, and it is believed that the absence of his dominant rival may have played a role in his decision to return home.
Caesar's return was not without challenges. He returned thin and with a ruffled coat, and he was diagnosed with end-stage blood cancer shortly after his return. However, despite his age and illness, the story has a happy ending for Ruben and his parents. Caesar is now receiving medicine, plenty of food, and care to ensure a comfortable retirement.
Elke Andert, Ruben's mother, described Caesar's return as a gift that no one expected. Caesar and Cleopatra were first friends as kittens, and their bond was strong even after all these years. Caesar's return has brought a sense of closure to the family, and they are grateful for every moment they have left with their beloved feline companion.
References:
[1] Böblingen animal shelter [2] Minx's story
Caesar's unexpected home-and-garden return after a notably long absence raises questions about the duration of a cat's memory, possibly suggesting a lasting bond with his family. This return, seen as highly unusual, emphasizes the significance of microchipping and pet registries in identifying and reconnecting lost pets, as demonstrated with Caesar's identification through a tattoo and a pet register like Tasso e.V.
