A family have been left overjoyed – but confused – after being reunited with their pet cat after he mysteriously ended up more than 2,400 miles away.

Panda, a black and white cat belonging to the Clevenger family in Washington state in the US, went missing on October 8.

The family were distressed when the moggy didn’t show up for several days – and expanded an initial search of their home property and land to an online search.

The family were left astonished when a family member spotted a photo of Panda alive and well – in a home department store in Kenai, Alaskam, some 2,472 miles away from Washington state.

Explaining the surprise adventure of her cat to America’s Today show, owner Christina Clevenger opened up about the emotional search she and her husband launched to find their kitty.

She said: "We had about a dozen people helping us look for some sort of sign or clue, like if he ended up getting caught by a coyote.”

Christina shared her shock at finding an online post showing Panda alive and well thousands of miles away.

She continued: ”My husband's aunt is the one who actually found the post… she came running down to our property and asked me, 'What color collar was Panda wearing?'"

• 

  Baffled pet pigeon left on city bus sparks desperate hunt for 'forgetful' owner

"And I said a bright green one. And she turns her phone around and goes, 'Isn't this Panda?'"

"I was holding my daughter's little Chihuahua, and I hate to say this, but it's true, I ended up dropping the little Chihuahua, and my phone.

"I instantly started bawling. The fact that she turned the phone around and he was right there, I lost it. I was emotional for the whole day."

The family have since theorised that Panda may have stowed away in a truck or even a boat that travelled from Washington to Alaska.

A pet charity named United Angels helped reunite the family with the cat.

Cat stories

The Clevenger family raised funds to get Panda checked over by a local vet in Alaska in order for him to be granted a certificate to fly back to Washington state.

Ms Clevenger gushed: "I just want to thank everyone. I know that sounds cheesy, but everybody came together. They helped us get our baby home."

She went on to say the cat has been spending all his time indoors since his return – and has been “spoiled” with treats and toys following the epic recovery mission.

Source: Read Full Article