Our Simba’s Miracle Story

Written by Patricia Acker

Professional photography by Marique Photography  

On the afternoon of the 6^th of November, I came home from work around 2pm and noticed that our long-haired cat, Simba, wasn’t home. I didn’t worry too much at first – it was cloudy, and he loves gallivanting when the weather isn’t too hot.

But later that afternoon, it started raining heavily. That’s when I began to panic. Simba always comes home when it rains.

I called and called – no sign of him. The next morning, before leaving for work, I asked my husband if Simba had returned. He said no. That’s when the real fear set in.

I posted everywhere. Every Facebook group, every community page. I put up posters all around our area. Instead of help, I received many harsh comments about letting cats roam. But I ignored the negativity – I was focused on bringing my baby home.

I contacted animal communicators – one, then six more. Most said he was still in the area. I even contacted a lady in Dubai. I hired a tracker dog. I walked the streets every single day calling his name. I left scent trails, even cutting pieces of my hair so he could find his way back to me. I drove around at midnight, 1am, calling him. I prayed constantly.

A month passed. I told my husband, “If it’s meant to be, he’ll come home.” But I never stopped hoping.

Then on the 13^th of January, I received a message from a lady in Serengeti Estate in Kempton Park. She said there was a “feral” cat there – but she didn’t think he was truly feral. She happened to see my Facebook post (and she said she hardly ever goes on Facebook!). A man who feeds the feral cats had taken a video. When he sent it to me, my husband looked at it and immediately said, “That’s Simba!”

The very next day, we drove to Serengeti Estate. The moment we stopped the bakkie, we heard him meowing. When he heard our voices, he meowed even louder.

After more than two months… our boy was found!

If that lady hadn’t gone on Facebook that day, we may never have known. What are the odds? We’re in Pretoria. Simba ended up over 40km away in Kempton Park!

This has been an emotional journey filled with heartbreak, faith, and miracles. Thank you to everyone who shared, prayed, and helped. And especially to the kind people in Serengeti Estate who cared enough to look twice.

Never give up on your fur babies. Miracles happen.