Cat Collects So Many Neighbor's Shoes, Owner Creates Facebook Group To Return Them

Jordan the cat has discovered his true passion in life.

Damjan

• Published in Animals
• August 18, 2024

In a quaint city like Altoona, Pennsylvania, one would expect the occasional lost pet or a garden-variety neighborhood dispute. However, few could have anticipated the emergence of a local legend who has taken the phrase “cat burglar” to a new level.

The star of this curious story is not a cunning human thief but a black-and-white cat named Jordan, who has become notorious for his nightly escapades. Jordan, a feline resident of Altoona, has been making headlines due to his peculiar penchant for stealing shoes.

The odd behavior initially baffled residents, who were puzzled by the increasing number of missing footwear. Sandals, flip-flops, sneakers, and boots vanished from doorsteps and yards. As the pile of stolen shoes grew, the mystery deepened, leaving many to wonder about the cause behind the spree of disappearances.

The answer to the enigma was revealed not by a detective but by Jordan's owner, BJ Ross. She had been observing her pet’s behavior and gradually uncovered the startling truth behind the shoe snatching.

It turned out that Jordan had developed a rather naughty habit of sneaking out each night to steal shoes from unsuspecting neighbors. This nightly ritual had turned into a full-blown collection, which Ross soon realized was out of hand.

Faced with the growing pile of stolen goods and concerned about the community's growing barefoot status, Ross decided to take action. She set up a Facebook group to shed light on her cat's nocturnal activities and help return the stolen footwear to their owners.

Through this initiative, she shared pictures of Jordan’s impressive stash, which numbered over fifty pairs of shoes. The group quickly garnered attention and support from the community, eager to reclaim their lost items.

Adding to the intrigue, Ross equipped Jordan with a GPS tracker to better understand his nightly journeys. The tracker revealed that Jordan’s escapades were not limited to a single house but included multiple homes each night.

Furthermore, it was discovered that he had a particular fondness for revisiting identical houses repeatedly, further expanding his growing collection of shoes.

Jordan has discovered his true passion in life. Unfortunately, that passion happens to be theft.

An unguarded pair of shoes has a certain irresistible charm.

Jordan generally aims to return with matching pairs...

…which means he needs to visit the same house at least twice.

Since he can only carry one shoe at a time, that's all he can manage.

As a result, Jordan covers up to 8 miles each night searching for loot.

His collection of contraband now includes more than 50 shoes, much to his mother’s dismay.

Every night, he sneaks out, and his mom can't seem to put a stop to it.

Ross has created a Facebook page detailing Jordan's crimes to address the situation.

There, Jordan’s victims can get their stolen shoes back.

The group also provides a space to talk about Jordan's thefts.

Despite the public revelations about Jordan’s crimes and identity…

…Jordan appears indifferent.

Ross has put money into a GPS tracker and a security camera.

The GPS maps and security footage clearly show Jordan’s ongoing nightly crime sprees.

Nothing will likely deter this little troublemaker.

Jordan's escapades have sparked amusement and disbelief among the residents. While some view the situation with a sense of humor, others are relieved to have their missing shoes returned. Ross’s decision to come forward and address the issue openly has earned her and Jordan a spot in local folklore, turning an ordinary cat into an unlikely local celebrity.

Damjan