Missing cat reunited with owner after 7 years

CROSBY, Minn. — It had been seven years, but a cat was finally reunited with its owner after authorities removed 101 cats from a home in Crosby.

Crosby Police and the Minnesota Federated Humane Society removed the cats Thursday following reports of animal cruelty/neglect, animal hoarding and unsafe living conditions. The Tri-County Humane Society in St. Cloud said it took in 94 of the cats, including one that had a microchip.

“They drove to Tri-County Humane Society from Crosby and were reunited with their cat (Thursday) night,” Tri-County Executive Director Marit Ortega said in a statement.

Ortega said about a dozen staff members worked until about 10:30 p.m. Thursday evaluating the cats and setting them up with a clean shelter. While assessing them, Ortega said the staff was vaccinating the cats, treating them for fleas and providing fluids for some of the felines in need of hydration.

One was microchipped and reunited with its owner after seven years, the owner said.

Now, the cats are safe and cared at the The Tri-County Humane Society where staff awaits more Happy reunions. 

On Saturday afternoon, in walked Lisa vollbrecht and David Eckhoff, who recognized a familiar faces among the “Crosby cats” that have all been posted on the website.

Their Cougar was among the 94. He was the 81st cat pulled from that home.

“I was like, that’s him,” said Lisa. 

In a tearful reunion, Lisa and David saw their Cougar once again. 

“Today is six months to the da,y to the day,” said David. “October 13.”

Lisa and David said it’s lucky number 13. 

“We like 13 but now it’s 81 I guess,” laughed David.

“It was an exhausting and emotional day for all, and it’s just the beginning,” said Ortega in a statement. 

Police are asking for any other cat owners who have lost their pet over the past seven years to contact Tri-County at 320-252-0896. People can also email a picture of their missing cat along with some basic contact information.

“Every cage and kennel in our shelter is now full, requiring extra staffing, not to mention the veterinary care, medications, spaying and neutering, and more that we will be investing in these animals,” said Ortega in a statement. “Our compassionate staff and volunteers are up for the challenge, but we truly need your support now.”

Watch the latest local news from the Twin Cities and across Minnesota in our YouTube playlist:

Download the free KARE 11+ app for Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV and other smart TV platforms to watch more from KARE 11 anytime! The KARE 11+ app includes live streams of all of KARE 11’s newscasts. You’ll also find on-demand replays of newscasts; the latest from KARE 11 Investigates, Breaking the News and the Land of 10,000 Stories; exclusive programs like Verify and HeartThreads; and Minnesota sports talk from our partners at Locked On Minnesota.