A newly neutered cat in Florida surprised everyone by escaping a veterinary clinic and walking nearly three miles back to his home—while still under the effects of anesthesia.
The feline, named George, had been at the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) Florida for a routine neutering procedure when he managed to break out of his cage and flee the facility, according to Fox 13 Tampa Bay.
“He was able to pop that cage open and he sprung out of there. He was gone in seconds,” said George’s owner, Bob Beasock. “He had to go through two or three subdivisions, around a couple of lakes, and cross five or six roads. If I had been stuck there, I would’ve called an Uber. But George didn’t have that option.”
SPCA staff chased after the cat but could not catch him. “Our staff were literally hoisting each other over fences trying to get him,” said Randa Richter, SPCA Florida’s Director of Humane Programs and Public Media. She confirmed George was still affected by the sedatives when he escaped, making the feat even more remarkable.
George eventually returned home on his own after several days, covering close to three miles of terrain. “I was distraught and heartbroken,” Beasock said. “He needed a human touch—and that’s what he got.”
Certified cat behaviorist Joey Lusvardi told Fox 13 that cats have a natural ability to find their way back home. “Cats evolved to naturally find their way back. We think it’s a combination of scent, visual markers, and possibly geo-magnetism,” Lusvardi said. “Contrary to popular belief, cats are very attached to us. They want to come back.”
George is now safely home and recovering from his procedure. It is still unclear if he experienced any medical issues during his escape, but his story has amazed both his family and veterinary staff.
