It can happen to any of us. We go about our daily routines on auto-pilot, finishing tasks and errands without a second thought. Then, it happens—our beloved pet notices the door open just enough to bolt past us and into the fresh air, eager to explore the world without a care in the world. For our fur babies, the streets don’t hold the same dangers as they do for us. But in the chaos, our loved ones disappear, and our lives change forever.
That’s exactly what happened to 3-year-old tabby cat Drifter, who ran past his family on July 18, 2024. The excited cat went missing in Duluth, Minnesota, leaving his family devastated. They searched everywhere, hanging posters across the city and listing him on the online pet finder site PawBoost. The family thought the ongoing construction nearby may have scared him, but they had no idea where he had ended up.
The Search Begins: Construction Becomes Drifter’s Downfall
For seven long weeks, Drifter’s family—Clifton, Ashley, and their 12-year-old daughter April—held out hope. They searched tirelessly, staying positive despite the heartbreak. Clifton later recounted the moment Drifter went missing:
“Drifter went missing right after we got home from our honeymoon. The door to the house opened that morning, and he shot up the hill and disappeared. We posted his picture on all the missing pet sites and plastered posters everywhere in the neighborhood.”
But it was the construction in the neighborhood that weighed heavily on Ashley’s mind. She feared Drifter may have been injured by the heavy equipment. The normally quiet streets were now filled with the noise of workers and torn-up pavement.
“The day Drifter went missing, the road crew had sealed up the sewers and covered a large hole with metal plates and massive rocks. Ashley even suggested he might’ve been caught in the construction, but we had no idea where he could be.”
Sightings and Heartbreak: The Search Continues
Despite numerous tips from people claiming to have seen Drifter, the family’s hopes were dashed time and time again. Clifton shared their rollercoaster experience:
“We got several sightings and false leads. At one point, I even brought home an imposter cat from Duluth Animal Control because I was so desperate. It wasn’t Drifter, and Ashley had to return the cat. We had even planned a memorial service for closure.”
No one wanted to believe Drifter was truly gone. But just when they were about to lose hope, something miraculous happened.
The Incredible Discovery: A Meow from the Underground
One evening, after returning home from a gelato outing, April excitedly told her parents that the neighborhood kids had heard a cat meowing from underground. Clifton and Ashley rushed outside, holding on to the hope that it could be Drifter. Clifton described the moment on social media:
“With all the construction, the sewer system under our street was blocked off. From beneath all the debris, we heard the distressed meowing of a cat. We grabbed a shovel and started digging.”
As they dug, they found a heavy metal plate covered in dirt. Once they managed to lift it, they saw a clawed paw reaching out from a small hole. It was Drifter! Clifton shared the emotional moment:
“I carefully widened the hole, and two paws and a head emerged. This cat, complete with collar and tags, began pulling himself out. It was Drifter! I lifted him up like Simba from The Lion King. He was back!”
Reunion and Recovery: Drifter’s Second Chance
After being gone for nearly two months, Drifter had survived underground by scavenging for food and water. He was malnourished, weighing just 6.5 pounds compared to his healthy weight of 15 pounds. Clifton described their relief and joy:
“April was in tears, Ashley and I were in shock. He was back, and we couldn’t believe it. Despite his ordeal, Drifter was clean and snuggly. He even hopped into bed with April that night to sleep by her side.”
Though Drifter had lost significant weight, he was otherwise healthy. The family rushed him to the ER vet, who confirmed that he was severely malnourished but stable. Drifter’s return was nothing short of a miracle.
“If we had received less rain this summer, he might’ve died of dehydration. A little more rain, and he could’ve drowned. The vet said cats need to eat every three days to survive. I can’t imagine what Drifter scavenged to stay alive.”
The Remarkable Cat: Drifter’s Will to Survive
Drifter’s story is one of survival, resilience, and love. After weeks underground, battling the elements and scavenging for food, he returned to his family, determined to live. Clifton marveled at Drifter’s spirit:
“Drifter is something else. He’s like a character from a Jack London novel—willful, scrappy, and lucky. He came to us in the dead of winter and now, after almost two months underground, he’s back.”
Drifter’s family shared their joy and gratitude for their beloved pet’s safe return:
“He’s snuggly, vibrant, and obsessed with food. Last night, he kept us up with his aggressive purring—excited to be home, above ground, and with us again.”
A Story of Hope: Never Give Up
Drifter’s miraculous return is a reminder to never lose hope, even in the face of overwhelming odds. His family’s love and persistence, combined with Drifter’s own tenacity, brought him home.
“The lesson here is to never give up. Keep hoping, keep searching, and always believe in the impossible. Drifter’s back, and we couldn’t be happier.”
Watch the heartwarming news report and rescue video below, taken by a neighbor who witnessed Drifter’s incredible return. Welcome home, Drifter.
