It would appear the WeHo “catnap” mystery has been solved. KCAL News reported a beloved missing cat in West Hollywood is back home after a food delivery driver mistakenly picked him up, believing the friendly feline was a stray.
Floki, a 6-year-old Highland Lynx known throughout the neighborhood for his outgoing personality, had gone missing after approaching a delivery driver and following him to his car. Surveillance footage shows the cat cuddling up to the driver, who then placed Floki in his vehicle and drove off.
“He’s a very friendly cat,” said neighbor Chandler Paul. “He lets you pet him.”
According to residents, Floki’s owner, Emir Uckardes, allows the cat to roam freely outside and noted that Floki doesn’t like wearing a collar.
“He was doing a good deed,” said resident Andy Powell, referencing the driver’s intention to help what he thought was a stray animal.
While social media quickly lit up with concerns over the cat’s disappearance, the driver later explained that he had always intended to return Floki. After a friend showed him the online posts about the missing cat, he brought Floki to the West Hollywood Sheriff’s Station on Friday and contacted Uckardes.
“As soon as I heard his meow, I knew it was him,” said Uckardes. “I would recognize that sound anywhere.”
Uckardes says he’s relieved to have Floki back home and plans to be more cautious moving forward.
“We are even more protective over these friendly family members,” he said. “We’re just going to be more careful now.”
Thank you for the clarification; a lot of people were sure quick to pass judgment on the hapless deliver guy who was only trying to do the right thing. Glad Flokie is back home.