More than a year after disappearing during Hurricane Helene, a cat has been reunited with its family in what animal advocates are calling a Christmas miracle.
Gabby, a family cat who went missing when Hurricane Helene struck the region in September 2024, was recently found and returned to her owners after 443 days. The powerful storm caused catastrophic flooding across parts of the Southeast, destroying homes and infrastructure and leaving many families displaced — including Gabby’s.
According to the Avery Humane Society, Gabby was brought to the shelter on December 13, 2025, after being found as a stray. Shelter staff scanned the cat for a microchip, which revealed her identity and led to a successful reunion with her family.
What happened to Gabby during the time she was missing remains unknown. Officials believe the cat survived on her own, finding food and shelter in the months following the storm.
The reunion underscores the importance of microchipping pets, particularly in areas prone to natural disasters. Avery Humane Society officials say Gabby’s microchip was the key factor that made it possible to reconnect her with her family after more than a year apart.
