A missing Lowe’s store cat was found 85 miles away at a distribution center, and now she’s back home

RICHMOND, Va. (WWBT/Gray News) – A cat that went missing from a Lowe’s store in Virginia last month has been found safe.

Francine, the popular cat known for living at a Lowe’s store in Richmond, went missing in September.

In a news release, Lowe’s said Francine climbed aboard a loading truck and ventured to a Lowe’s distribution center in Garysburg, North Carolina, about 85 miles away.

But the Lowe’s team wasn’t sure where she went after the truck unloaded – and she was missing for weeks.

In addition to the 246 cameras already monitoring the distribution center, Lowe’s brought in thermal drones to scan the area.

North Hampton County Animal Control set humane traps at the distribution center. Signs and flyers with Francine’s picture were posted throughout every corner of the facility.

On Saturday, Lowe’s said Francine was finally seen on a camera at the distribution center in North Carolina.

“I can’t describe the feeling when we realized it was her,” said Mike Sida, the manager of the Richmond Lowe’s where Francine lives. “We all just lit up.”

Extra traps were set up near where Francine was seen on camera, and thankfully, she was finally caught.

“When I received the text that we got her and she was safe, I just couldn’t stop smiling,” said Lowe’s associate Wayne Schneider.

Together, Sida and Schneider hit the road at 4 a.m. Monday to pick Francine up and take her home.

“We were so excited the whole ride – it didn’t matter how early it was. We were going to bring her home,” Schneider said.

Francine is on her way back home at her Lowe’s store in Richmond after she gets checked out by a vet.

Lowe’s said she will be right back to her routine: greeting customers, exploring the aisles and soaking up more affection than ever.

“We care for Francine so much, and we’re so thankful for everyone who helped, from our associates to animal control and our neighbors,” Sida said. “She’s more than our store cat – she’s part of our family.”