Staff at an Amazon warehouse on Long Island (USA) couldn't believe their eyes. For several weeks, they'd been watching a thick-furred cat sheltering under one of the delivery lorries. Taking pity on him, they brought him food, hoping he'd eventually move on. But when he persisted in staying, they decided to call local animal rescuer John Debacker.
With patience and gentleness, he managed to coax the feline to safety. As usual, he immediately checked for an identification microchip. Debacker expected to find a local address. But the result left him stunned: the cat came from... Bermuda, more than 700 miles away.
A globe-trotting feline with an unlikely journey
Thanks to the Bermuda SPCA, the local animal protection charity, the investigation quickly identified the cat. His name was Frankie, and his story would prove worthy of a novel.
Around 15 years old, Frankie wasn't just any stray cat. Born in the United Kingdom, he'd then moved to Bermuda, before joining a family in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Later, he found refuge in South Carolina (USA), before being handed over to a local shelter. In 2017, a New York charity transferred him to New York State, where he'd been living since.
An extraordinary journey that earned him an affectionate nickname: "Mr. Worldwide".
A well-deserved retirement
While Frankie has known many homes, his travels are now over. He's been taken in by Last Chance Animal Rescue, where volunteers are caring for him whilst looking for his forever family. The goal: to finally give him a peaceful end to his life, surrounded by love.
"He's a very sweet cat, a real purring machine", said John Debacker, who quickly grew attached to this extraordinary globe-trotter. After a life spent travelling from country to country, Frankie can finally hope for the stability and tranquillity he deserves.
