Credit: UnknownA MISSING cat that had not been seen for five years made a surprising return to her family just in time for Christmas.
The black cat named Bindi “vanished into thin air” in August 2020, but was miraculously found last week.
Bindi’s return home is being celebrated as a Christmas Miracle.Credit: Unknown
Her owner, 29-year-old software project manager Jilly Fretwell, remarked, “It was really strange for her to be missing for more than a day.”
Bindi’s return to her home in Haddenham has been celebrated as a Christmas Miracle.
Owner Jilly shared several posts urging people to help find her and searched local walking paths for months.
Then, on December 18, she received an unexpected phone call.
Bindi had been brought in, and despite having a few minor scratches, she was “in great shape.”
Surprisingly, the ten-year-old cat recognized her family instantly.
Jilly expressed, “We were just in complete disbelief.
“It wasn’t until we saw her that we truly believed it was her.
“We’re just so thankful we had her microchipped and that she was alive and well.
“I’ve never heard of anyone’s cat going missing for such a long time and returning in perfect condition.”
There are no clues about where Bindi spent the last five years, but her family suspects she was cared for by someone nearby.
“I believe she’s been looked after by someone; she looks great. She’s likely been indoors, but I have no idea,” Jilly said.
She also shared with the BBC: “When we picked her up from the vet, it was as if she recognized us. She immediately jumped on our lap, giving us snuggles, and it was the best feeling.
“She had a couple of small scratches that the vet wanted to check, but other than that, she looks wonderful.”
A few years ago, another cat was reunited with its owner after going missing.
The black and white cat named Missy escaped from Eve McDonnell’s car on April 23, 2009.
Despite extensive searching, Missy could not be found, and Eve, 72, eventually lost hope of seeing her pet again.
She was astonished when a center contacted her to say that the black and white cat had been found living on the streets eight miles from her home.
Residents in Hall Green spotted the stray cat living among debris and sleeping on top of a bin.
Eve, a retired hairdresser, said, “I never stopped thinking about her.
“You never forget your pets — they are irreplaceable. I can’t believe she’s alive.”
Owner Jilly shared numerous social media posts asking people to help find her.Credit: Unknown
Frequently Asked Questions
How long was Bindi missing?
Bindi was missing for five years before she was found.
How did Bindi return home?
Bindi was brought in by someone who found her, and she recognized her family immediately.
Was Bindi in good health when she was found?
Yes, despite a few minor scratches, Bindi was in great shape when she was found.


