Cat That Was Accidentally Sold With Mattress Gets Back Home

STEVEN DUBOIS, Associated Press

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Camo is hiding no longer.

The Oregon cat accidentally sold with a mattress set is home after 10 days on his own.

Roy Dufek wrote in a statement that his girlfriend, Hayley Crews, caught Camo in a trap Saturday night after he was reportedly seen near the Hillsboro Airport west of Portland. The trap was baited with sardines in oil and familiar scented clothing.

People across the Portland area and beyond had been on the lookout for Camo after his unusual disappearance got national attention.

Dufek sold his girlfriend's mattress set Dec. 17 without realizing the cat was likely in a favorite hiding spot: the box spring.

Unable to find Camo at the mattress buyer's home, Dufek took to social media for help tracking down the 5-year-old cat that likely scurried out of the box spring when the buyer, who lives near the airport, took it off the car roof.

Dufek wrote that Camo was 2 pounds lighter after 10 days outside, and had a cut lip, broken nails and a bleeding paw. On Sunday, Camo was examined by a veterinarian and given a bath by Crews.

"We can't even imagine what he's been through in a week and (a) half running wild near the countryside, especially in this weather," Dufek wrote.

The couple thanked everyone for their help, saying it's great to know friends and strangers had their back in time of need.

"We can't ever repay or say thank you enough to all the people that spent their cherished holiday time, and resources to help us bring Camo home," Dufek wrote Sunday. "It was quite emotional last night, we're in shock of this whole experience, and have been holding him tight!"

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Follow Steven DuBois at twitter.com/pdxdub.