Woman gobsmacked as missing cat returns after five years – looking totally different

A woman was left gobsmacked as her returned to home five years after vanishing - but looking completely different.

Janine Yarrell, 44, says her pet, Bubba, vanished without a trace five years ago but has since returned looking very different due to her matted fur. Janine says she did not expect to see Bubba again after a social media appeal to find the then seven-year-old cat came to nothing.

But Bubba has since returned home, now aged 12, and looks very different to the cat Janine and Rob had rescued from a centre. Janine had no idea where she might be during the five-year disappearance.

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It is now thought she was living on the streets as a stray in their hometown of Ashford, Kent, since 2019. She was spotted hiding under a car down the road from where Janine and Rob live on Tuesday (November 12). A local in the town had posted a photograph of the cat to , which is when Janine found Bubba.

"I honestly didn't think I'd see her again," Janine, who got Bubba back yesterday (November 13), said. "As she’s 12 now and used to the creature comforts of being at home. So I couldn’t believe my eyes when her photo was posted on Facebook. We checked her microchip details and now she’s finally back home.

"Her fur is matted and I’ll get her checked up by a vet, but she’s in relatively good shape considering she’s been living on the streets for five years." Janine now believes Bubba had been living on the streets for the last five years and may have been occasionally fed.

Janine added: "Let this be a strong message to all owners to check their pets’ microchip details are up to date. And above all never, ever give up hope. I’d like to thank everyone who shared her photos across social media."

Advice from regarding what to do when your cat goes missing suggests checking with neighbours, creating posters and registering the cat as lost at local vets and rescue centres. Their advice continues: "Once your cat is less scared they will be hungry and drawn to the smell of food. Although be aware other cats and wildlife may be eating the food.

"Cats have a good sense of smell and the familiar scents of home can help them find their way back, especially if he or she is missing in an area he isn’t familiar with. Leave unwashed items of clothing, the cats litter tray and bedding outside."