Poldi’s owner was gearing up for an emotional reunion with her pet after 16 years apart.
The feline was found in a forest near the southern city of Munich and, emaciated, taken to the city’s animal sanctuary.
Due to a tattoo behind his ear, Poldi was able to be quickly identified and his owner informed of his whereabouts.
“She really didn’t think she would see the cat again after such a long time,” a shelter worker said, adding that finding a cat alive following such an extended period was “an extremely unusual occurrence”.
The woman, who has not been identified, will come to pick up the cat on Thursday. Whether or not Poldi remembers her will be another matter entirely.
