Lost cat, Hickory Branch Trail, 21674, Strongsville — answers to JOY

UPDATE: JOY IS HOME! ❤️🐾 Joy came home on his own around 6 AM this morning, and I honestly couldn’t be happier! ❤️ A huge THANK YOU to everyone who shared my post, helped look for him, checked their yards, and gave me advice. I followed your suggestions — I put some of his food and litter outside so he could recognize the familiar smell. I also went outside from time to time throughout the night calling his name, hoping he was somewhere nearby and could hear me. Around 4 AM, I was contacted by people claiming that Joy had been hit by a car, taken to an animal hospital, and was undergoing emergency surgery. They were putting a lot of pressure on me and demanding that I quickly pay $750 for his “surgery and insurance.” Thankfully, I didn’t send them any money. And while I was actually talking to these scammers, I suddenly heard Joy meowing outside the door. I opened the door — and there he was! Our Joy had come home all by himself! 🥹❤️🐾 I’m attaching photos and screenshots because I want to warn other pet owners about how these scammers operate. If your pet goes missing and someone contacts you claiming that your pet is at an animal hospital while pressuring you to send money immediately, please verify everything yourself by calling the hospital’s official phone number before making any payment. Thank you again to everyone for your help, support, and advice. ❤️ I’m beyond happy and relieved that our Joy is finally back home! 🐾❤️