Missing Haywards Heath cat reunited with family after two years apart

A family whose cat vanished after they moved to France were stunned to be reunited with her just days after they returned to England - two years later.
Angela Murray and her cat, Esme. Pic Steve RobardsAngela Murray and her cat, Esme. Pic Steve Robards
Angela Murray and her cat, Esme. Pic Steve Robards

Angela Murray and her family, from Sunte Close, Haywards Heath, left their cat Esme behind with a friend when they moved in 2012.

“She clearly wasn’t very happy, she escaped and vanished almost immediately, it was within a few days,” Angela explained.

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“They advertised but didn’t get anything back, we eventually gave up hope, we assumed she had been run over and died. We were devastated.”

But within a few days of returning to England, she was in contact with a family looking for owners of a cat matching Esme’s description.

Angela continued: “They are dedicated cat lovers, they were very cautious, made us describe her looks, bring a picture, describe her character. And it really was our cat!”

The family were reunited with their beloved pet last Friday.

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“When they brought her to our house she sauntered out of her box, sauntered around her favourite bits of the house and meowed a few times,” Angela explained.

“She was completely comfortable being back here even though it has been two years ago almost to the day.”

Ellen Mcgreevy and her daughters Sharon and Gelicia found Esme 18 months ago and posted hand written letters around houses in Haywards Heath appealing for the owner.

Angela continued: “I can’t thank them enough. It’s unbelievable compassion and amazingly persistent. I don’t know how many notes they must have written, they posted them around every house in central Haywards Heath.

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“You would think they might call the RSPCA but they were really determined to get her back with her original owner and I’m really grateful for that.

“I’m desperately happy to have her back again, I didn’t realise how much I missed her until she was gone, the house wasn’t the same without her, I’m delighted.”

The Mcgreevy family first saw Esme in their garden looking healthy, but when they saw her for a second time she was extremely skinny so they took her in and looked after her.

“They called her Bella, which is my daughter’s name. Maybe Esme recognised the name,” Angela said.

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The family wonder how Esme, a shy cat who does not like being picked up, survived on her own.

“I wonder what stories she’s got to tell,” Angela said.

“Before she returned my son speculated about what mental state she might be in. He was worried she could be like a Vietnam war veteran, she could be completely traumatised, but she’s absolutely fine!”

Julia Mewes, principle vet at The Mewes saw Esme recently and described her as ‘in lovely health, she looked really well, it’s remarkable’.

“It is a miracle that Esme survived so long in the wild, and that her Good Samaritans worked so hard to protect and help her,” she said.

“I was truly touched. She is now chipped in case she gets the wanderlust again.I’m particularly impressed by the charity of the family, they supported her through.”