In June 2018, 20-year-old student Andrew Humphreys faced a heartbreaking situation while on vacation. His pet sitter called in a panic—his beloved black-and-white cat, Hank, had escaped and couldn’t be found. Andrew and his friends spent weeks searching for him, even catching a glimpse of Hank once but failing to bring him home.
“We went door to door, put up flyers, and posted ads on Facebook. We saw him once, but couldn’t quite catch him,” Andrew shared. After months with no updates, Andrew had to come to terms with the possibility that Hank was gone for good.
A Heartbreaking Loss
As life moved on, Andrew focused on his studies, though he still mourned the loss of Hank. His thoughts often wandered back to his furry friend, hoping for a miracle.
Then, one evening in January 2019, while scrolling through his Facebook feed, Andrew came across something extraordinary—Hank’s familiar face! It had been six months since his disappearance, but there was no mistaking the cat on the screen.
Hank’s Journey: From Stray to Celebrity
Hank, it turned out, had made quite the journey. In November 2018, a black-and-white “cow cat” appeared at a feral feeding station in Alberta, Canada. The feeding station, managed by a dedicated volunteer with the MEOW Foundation, welcomed the new arrival. Founded in 2000, the MEOW Foundation is a cat-focused charity known for its no-kill policy and dedication to rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming stray cats.
The volunteer soon realized that this particular cat was far too friendly and calm to remain a stray. After trapping him, he took the cat—now named Jules—to a vet for a checkup. Though Jules wasn’t microchipped or neutered, he was in good health. The MEOW Foundation took him in, neutered and vaccinated him, and prepared him for adoption.
A New Life at the Cat Café
In January 2019, Jules was sent to Regal Cat Café, a popular local establishment where adoptable cats can interact with visitors. He quickly became a favorite among the guests, charming them with his affectionate nature and playful personality. Visitors loved watching him roam the café and even participate in yoga classes.
Despite his popularity, Jules hadn’t been adopted yet—a twist of fate that allowed his story to take an unexpected turn.
The Facebook Discovery
On January 20, 2019, while procrastinating from his studies, Andrew spotted the café’s post featuring Jules and immediately recognized him as Hank. With his distinctive markings, there was no doubt in Andrew’s mind that this was his missing cat. Overwhelmed, he shared the post with friends, who confirmed his suspicions.
Excited yet nervous, Andrew rushed to the café. When he arrived, Hank recognized him instantly, coming right up and allowing Andrew to hold him. “He flopped into my arms,” Andrew recalled in an interview. “I never thought we’d see him again.”
Reuniting Hank with His Human
It took a week for the MEOW Foundation to complete the necessary adoption procedures and confirm Hank’s identity. But by January 28, 2019, Andrew and Hank were officially reunited, much to the delight of everyone following their story. The heartwarming reunion even made local news, with people celebrating the joyful outcome.
“Hank hasn’t left my side since being home,” Andrew shared.
The Unsung Heroes Behind the Rescue
The reunion wouldn’t have been possible without the dedicated efforts of TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) workers, feral cat caretakers, and rescue organizations like the MEOW Foundation. Their work ensures that stray cats, like Hank, don’t perish on the streets. Cat cafés like Regal Cat Café provide a nurturing environment for cats to socialize and connect with potential adopters, giving many “unadoptable” cats a second chance at life.
Regal Cat Café: A Community of Love
Opened in June 2017, Regal Cat Café in Calgary, Canada, has helped find homes for more than 330 cats. The café, run by husband-and-wife team Kevin and Tia Wieler, was inspired by their own love for cats. With room for up to 12 adoptable cats at a time, the café offers visitors the chance to interact with these cats in a comfortable setting.
For just $10, guests can enjoy a 45-minute “Kitty Visit,” offering both humans and felines the chance to bond. It’s a wonderful way to bring joy to the community while finding loving homes for rescue cats.
A Happy Ending
Thanks to the MEOW Foundation and Regal Cat Café, Hank is now back where he belongs—safe and sound with Andrew. His adventurous spirit may have taken him far from home, but fate and a caring community helped bring him back.
As Andrew looks back on the six months of uncertainty, he’s just happy to have his adventurous cat by his side again. Let’s hope Hank’s wanderlust is finally out of his system!
