Missing Cat Reunited With Owners 13 Years Later

A long lost cat that had been missing for more than a decade has finally been reunited with his owners, and in the case of the kitty, the old saying is true: what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.

Back in 2000, pet lovers Dante and Elizabeth Corso lived in Las Vegas, just northwest of the Strip. One day, their beloved pet cat, Bandit, went missing and they didn’t see him again for 13 long years.

Eventually, the couple moved to Linda Vista where they’ve owned dozens of pets over the years.

But Bandit has always been in the back of their minds.

Recently, the Corsos got the shock of their lives when a veterinarian from Las Vegas called them, saying he had found Bandit.

They both couldn’t believe the news.

“My husband answered; he was very shocked,” said Elizabeth.

“They called Tuesday night, I answered the phone. They said, ‘Hi, are you missing Bandit?’ [And I said] ‘Bandit? Who is this?’” added Dante.

Turns out, the veterinarian ran Bandit’s microchip after the cat was turned into the vet's office by a man who traps feral cats.

Upon hearing the news of their long lost cat, the Corsos high-tailed it to Las Vegas, driving out first thing the following morning.

And the reunion with their furry friend did not disappoint.

The couple said Bandit looked just as they remembered him.

“[He] looks good, pretty handsome pussy cat. Just a little on the thin side,” said Dante.

At 15 years old, Bandit is still trying to navigate his new surroundings now that he's back home with the Corsos in San Diego.

But at least he’s not alone.

When the Corso’s adopted him, they also took in his little brother, Coot, so now it really is a family reunion.

“I think his brother is a little upset, [thnking] ‘You’re finally back -- where have you been?’” said Elizabeth.

Bandit is the prodigal kitty, finally home after all these years.

And, of course, he has quite the tale to tell -- if only cats could talk.

“This cat here has an amazing story. Yeah, I wish I knew it. All of it; who he’s [been] with, where he’s been,” said Elizabeth.

“He’s a special one,” said Dante. “I mean, he’s come back after all this time. It’s crazy. It’s amazing.”