The cat came back — after being gone for 16 months.
The unexpected reunion between Sammie and the MacDonald family in Parksville has the pet owners and the SPCA mystified.
Sammie went missing in June of 2013 when the MacDonalds moved across town.
The family put up posters around their old neighbourhood but after months went by it appeared Sammie was a goner.
It is likely Sammie would never have been reunited with his owners if it were not for the tattoo in his ear.
Darlene MacDonald said Sammie was traced back to them after someone from Bowser dropped off the cat at the Parksville branch of the SPCA.
"The SPCA said they have only ever returned a missing cat with a tattoo after six months. My kids are ecstatic," said Darlene, especially her 12-year-old daughter Danica who had already memorialized her fur baby.
In fact, for a recent project outlining all of the things in her life the Grade 7 student at Oceanside Elementary School penned a touching tribute to her pet on a poster.
"I drew a cross and wrote "rest in peace Sammie" and two days later he was at our house," said Danica.
Needless to say she re-did the project and is no longer mourning the loss of her cat.
Darlene admitted Sammie was a natural hunter and enjoyed feasting on birds back in their old neighbourhood so that is probably why he survived.
She is pretty sure he lived outside in the wild especially since he arrived home pretty mangy.
"He was dirty and matted and skinny. He had tons of fleas and had some chunks missing," said Darlene who has since nourished the feline back to health.
The mystery surrounding Sammie's long absence may never be solved but Danica believes wishes do come true and that is why her cat just couldn't stay away.
"On my 11th birthday when I blew out the candles I wished for my cat to come back."