Entrusted to the shelter Eden Animal Rescuehas Newbigginin the county of Cumbria (United Kingdom) as a stray cat, Stan often went to Nicola Hockinga resident of Carlisle who had indicated that the cat “ was just there to eat, he came back every evening. » But after seeing that he didn't have a chip, she decided to bring him to the association, because she couldn't keep him. Indeed, his own 6-year-old feline did not get along with this “ affectionate cat “. But Stan decided to run away for the first time before being found. Unfortunately, shortly after, in June 2025, when he had just been placed in foster care, he ran away a second time, barely 24 hours after his arrival.
A born runaway
The association's volunteers Eden Animal Rescue then did everything possible to find this white long-haired tabby cat. For a year, they tirelessly increased the number of search notices on social networks. Spotted by a resident of the village of Melmorby, Stan hung out near a bakery and Elaine Browna volunteer, explained: “ We went there to check, we took a trap with us, then we set up in a parking lot to monitor this trap for two to three hours. »
However, elusive, and although they tried to lure him with ” mackerel or fragrant sardines with tomato sauce “, Stan escaped them. The members of the shelter had even decided to place a surveillance camera in the area for a few days, but despite all their efforts, Stan continued to elude them.
Andy Johnson/BBC News
A false alarm
A cat resembling Stan was subsequently reported to Carlisle. “ Everyone was excited, but unfortunately it wasn't him », recalled Sue Emmersonshelter volunteer. Then, after months of research, the unexpected finally happened.
Eden Animal Rescue
An unexpected call
Monday June 22, the association received a call from a family living in Renwick21 km from Newbiggin. Sue Emmersonas well as other members of the shelter went there. “ I took out my reader and scanned its microchip », explained Elaine Brown.
“ We were in their kitchen and when we realized it was Stan we burst into tears. The villagers were a little fed up because he was rummaging through the trash, he was so hungry. When we arrived he was actually asleep on one of the beds upstairs », recounted Sue Emmerson.
The volunteers lured him with a little tuna, “ which he swallowed before disappearing againfloor “. They then followed him and noticed that the runaway cat “ walked on the landing, as if he were at home », as the media specified BBC News.
“ Light as a feather », the feline was emaciated and seemed in good shape, but needed care. Brought back to the shelter, where he is treated, Stan will perhaps have the chance to return to live with the family with whom he had taken up residence and who wishes to adopt him.
Woopets info: why does a cat run away?
There are several reasons that can cause a cat to run away.
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He wants to mark another territory or return to the one he occupied before.
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His instinct pushes him to look for a female in heat.
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His predatory instinct drives him to hunt.
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He has found a “double residence” where he finds affection and food.