I had two similar cat-returning-home stories, almost.

One, when I was about 7. We had moved from one house to another, about 5 miles away. Cat went missing. Was found about 1/4 mile from our old house. Maybe the cat loved the house, not us.

After we found it, cat stayed with us for another 10 years. Got to like the new house, I guess.

Second one. When I was in university, girlfriend and I got a cat. Cat couldn't stay in the university dorm where I lived (60 miles from parents home) so I kept cat at parents home.

After graduating from University, bought a house in Guelph 45 miles from hometown (Toronto). Took the cat to its new home in Guelph.

Cat went missing. Was found heading eastbound on Hwy. 401 heading for Toronto, and I'm assuming, the Keele St. exit, where it (presumably) planned to take the southbound ramp and head home.

Capitulated. Cat lived with Dad for another ten years.

__________________
MB 1986 190D in my past
MB 1987 300E on the street
MB 1994 'Smoke Silver' E420 in my driveway
1999 Mazda Miata in the fun stable
1964 E-Type Jaguar Coupe- Sold
1970 E-Type Jaguar Coupe- Sold
1968 Corvair Monza Conv. with Turbo Transplant- Sold
1986 Merkur Xr4ti- abandoned
various mundane American autos

If I'd known then what I know now...

Hell, I'd probably still have done it anyways.