Cat's Miraculous Cross-Country Journey Back to Family After 4 Lost Years in KC Metro

Table of Contents

Following four lengthy years of solitude, a stray cat called Kireina is making her journey back home.

Maggie Dors, who lives in Leawood, Kansas, noticed something she initially believed to be a stray cat near her front porch.

Subscribe to our Newsletters

"I put out some food for her, and even though she didn’t show up, the food was all eaten," Dors stated.

Following some gentle encouragement with treats, the cat became more comfortable, prompting Dors and her household to contact Overland Park’s animal control.

"My daughter was developing feelings for her, so I thought, before we bring her in, we should check — someone might already care for her. We need to ensure she doesn’t have an owner," Dors stated.

After scanning the microchip, they found out that Kireina was indeed owned by someone. However, her owner, Christian Van Alstyne, had relocated to another part of the country.

Van Alstyne looked high and low for Kireina, yet he gradually lost all hope with each passing year.

"Placing markers, searching for tracks, peering beneath porches, unable to locate her, and constantly wondering about how she was faring out there," Van Alstyne stated.

After she disappeared in 2021, he relocated from Prairie Village, Kansas, to the vast wilderness of Alaska.

However, now Kireina is safe and will once more have a home with Van Alystyne.

I simply can't wait to see her," Van Alstyne remarked. "My heart is racing slightly, and I'm feeling very enthusiastic.

The lady who discovered her will feel sad about missing her company, but she is happy that Kireina will now reunite with her owner.

"We’re delighted,” Dors stated. “It’s bittersweet. Yet, yes, we’re glad because she will be returning to her owner.”

After four years, she remains quite healthy, albeit somewhat jumpy.

She still looks great despite being away for such a long time," remarked Melissa Geffert, the practice manager at Mission Road Animal Clinic. "Cats truly are very tough.

Vets will examine Kireina once more to confirm her health before she embarks on the lengthy trip to Alaska.

TOP STORIES FROM KMBC:

The special edition Stanley tumblers are getting sold out quickly, but these particular ones are still available.

READ THE FULL STORY: A cat discovered in the Kansas City metropolitan area is set to embark on a cross-country trip to be reunited with its family after four years apart.

CHECK OUT KMBC: Stay informed with the most recent Kansas City updates on news, sports, and weather from KMBC. They provide comprehensive local reporting along with the leading stories across Missouri so you remain well-informed.