ERLANGEN, Germany — For nearly a year, Rafal and Monika Klajnszmit have dedicated their weekends—and more than $22,000—to finding their beloved black cat, Nero, who vanished during a family road trip.
The couple, from Eschwege in western Germany, makes a 300-mile round trip to Erlangen every week, following leads, distributing posters, and setting up cameras in hopes of spotting their elusive pet. Nero, identifiable by a white chest patch and light green eyes, bolted from his carrier during a hotel stopover while the family was en route to a vacation in Chiemgau.
A Relentless Search
Since Nero’s disappearance, the Klajnszmits have spared no expense. They’ve invested in thermal cameras, stocked eight feeding stations with tuna (Nero’s favorite), and scoured neighborhoods door-to-door. Footage from their cameras shows other cats devouring the food—but so far, no sign of Nero.
“He’s a friend and a member of the family. You don’t abandon your friends,” Rafal told Bild. “I’m not giving up. I know he’s still alive.”
The couple’s Facebook page, Nero – ein Bub verloren in Erlangen (“Nero – A Boy Lost in Erlangen”), has rallied 3,900 followers, with tips pouring in from as far as the U.S. Still, Nero’s timid nature complicates the search. “He’s extremely shy—the type who hides rather than approaches strangers,” Rafal explained to The Times. “I fear he’s only moving at night.”
Hope Through Technology
Nero is microchipped, offering the couple some solace. “If he’d been found deceased, authorities would’ve scanned and notified us,” Rafal said. Meanwhile, they urge locals to check any unfamiliar cats for chips, noting, “This could save not just Nero, but other missing pets too.”
In a recent Facebook post, the Klajnszmits expressed gratitude for the global support, particularly among Erlangen’s international students. “Someone out there might’ve seen him—or even taken him in without realizing he’s lost,” they wrote.
As the search enters its 12th month, the couple’s message remains unwavering: Bring Nero home.
For updates or tips, follow Nero – ein Bub verloren in Erlangen on Facebook.
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