Missing cat back after an ‘incredible journey’

CHRISTMAS came early for an Arapköy couple after their missing cat turned up on their doorstep after a 12-day “Incredible Journey” — 7km from where they had last seen it.

British expats Robert and Sheila Smallwood, who moved to North Cyprus 12 years ago and have 10 dogs and two cats, described finding one-eyed Nelson on their patio on Wednesday as a “miracle”, after he had

escaped during a visit to a vet in Çatalköy.

They had taken the cat for a check-up because he was not eating due to a painful mouth and had lost weight.

But the panicked animal bolted from its carrying basket while being taken out of the car and fled into a nearby field. The couple, who took in the “semi-feral” feline with “half an ear missing” and a “crooked front leg” five years ago, said that they had given up hope of finding Nelson following days of searching.

“An hours-long search that day, and for every day the following week, led to the conclusion we had lost him forever,” Mr Smallwood said.

“After all, he was very old, emaciated and in strange surroundings . . . Even if he could eat, where would he find sustenance at this time of the year?”

The pair were stunned, however, when intrepid Nelson reappeared at their home “looking thinner than ever” following his trek — an echo of Sheila Burnford’s 1961 children’s classic, The Incredible Journey.

“How in heaven’s name did he find his way back?” Mr Smallwood said. “Seven kilometres, crossing main roads, ravines, and mountains, besides not knowing in which direction Arapköy lay. How do you explain that?”

Mr Smallwood recounted how he and his wife “could hardly get near” the cat when it joined their home in 2012.

“After we successfully gained his trust we had him neutered. He became like ‘Jekyll and Hyde’, transforming into a totally different cat who became so affectionate until recently, when he appeared to have an oral problem every time he ate.”

The couple have been able to administer an injection at home, following the cat’s return. “He is now eating everything in sight. It’s going to be a very happy Christmas,” Mr Smallwood said, adding that his wife was “overjoyed”.