There’s Good News: Beloved ‘Yard Cat’ returns home after month-long adventure

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A lost cat named Leo was reunited with his family on Tuesday after spending nearly one month at Cascade Disposal in Bend. A facility employee identified the cat through a lost-pet post, ending a search that had lasted several weeks.

Staff at Cascade Disposal had nicknamed the cat "Yard Cat" while he lived at the facility for 30 days. Workers cared for the animal, allowing him to roam the grounds and interact with crews during their daily shifts.

Saxon, an employee at the disposal facility, spotted the missing pet notice on Tuesday morning. Although the post was nearly one month old, Saxon recognized the animal as the cat that had been living at the yard.

The cat became a fixture at the facility during his month-long stay, where employees nicknamed him "Yard Cat." Workers observed the animal lounging on trucks and watching morning pre-trip inspections. Staff members noted that the cat was well-liked by the crew and frequently received snacks from workers.

Leo's owner arrived at Cascade Disposal shortly after Saxon identified him. When she called out the name "Leo," the cat immediately ran to her. While staff members said they were sad to see the animal leave, they confirmed he had been returned to his home.