The Kelly family has described it as a miracle that their black cat, Bibby, survived on her own for three years.
Bibby, a timid cat, was known to avoid people when scared. Her owner, Grace Kelly, expressed the heartbreak they felt, knowing she was likely cold, hungry, and frightened, yet the family never gave up hope of finding her.
The breakthrough came when a concerned local in Perelle noticed a mystery black cat on a wildlife camera, feeding on hedgehog food and leftover birdseed. The islander reached out to Sue Vidamour, former head of Guernsey Animal Aid, who was able to trap Bibby and trace her back to her owners using the cat’s microchip.
Bibby had gone missing in January 2022 while the Kelly family was moving from their home in Perelle to the Vale. She had been spooked during the move and ran off.
Grace Kelly recalled, “We remember vividly there was a terrible storm the night we moved, but we thought she was just sheltering nearby and would come back in a few days.” Grace and her mother, Sarah, already had three cats—Bibby, her mom Button, and her uncle Toulouse.
“Bibby was the only kitten to survive her litter. We always joked that she was a little quirky, and the vet had mentioned that the injuries from an attack by another cat indicated that she might not have the usual survival instincts,” Grace said.
In the months following Bibby’s disappearance, the family tirelessly searched the area around Perelle. “We walked for miles through thick winter snow, shaking Dreamies treats and calling for her. A few tears were shed along the way,” Grace shared.
The Kellys posted leaflets, advertised on social media, the radio, and in the press, and investigated every possible sighting of Bibby. “We got to know every black cat on the west coast of Guernsey,” Grace said. Despite their efforts, the family began to accept that they might never see Bibby again, though they always held out hope for a miracle.
Miraculously, Bibby was found just 750 meters from the family’s old home. Grace said the reunion was a lesson in perseverance. “If you have a missing cat, don’t give up hope. Keep searching and spreading the word. Make sure your pets are chipped, and keep your details up to date.”
She also urged others to help. “If you see a cat hanging around your property, don’t chase it away—report it. It might be a lost cat, waiting for someone to help.”
For those interested, Guernsey’s Lost & Found Pets page (formerly Guernsey Animal Aid) can be found on Facebook.
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