Missoula Area News

Oregon cat missing for 3 years found in Missoula

Posted: Mar 22, 2013 9:47 AM by MTN News

MISSOULA - Three years ago, a Portland family's cat, Timmy, went missing. The family thought their indoor-outdoor pet had been hit by a car, but on Thursday they got a phone call that Timmy was alive and well, about 550 miles away.

It turns out that a Missoula man was visiting friends in Portland when the stray sauntered by and was very friendly with the man. He took the cat back to his home in Missoula where he cared for the animal for three years.

But, he wasn't able to take care of the cat any longer and dropped it off at the Western Montana Humane Society. During the intake exam, staffers scanned the cat and found out he had been adopted as a kitty 13 years ago and his family still lived in Portland.

"If you find a cat, call an animal shelter to see if they can scan for a microchip. Microchips are gaining popularity, and it's really the only way to for sure connect the cat to their home," said Drea Krutulis with the Western Montana Humane Society.

Volunteers from Missoula will be driving Timmy back to his owners this week.