Klepto Cats, by Kathy Wilson

I first noticed neighbors posting about their klepto cats on Facebook and NextDoor about a year ago:

"Hey neighbors, I have a confession to make: my cat is a kleptomaniac. He is a sweet kitty, but a bit of a hoarder with a special fondness for garden gloves, and he also enjoys bringing home kitchen tea towels, hats, mop heads, colorful socks, bright swimsuits, and (as of the past few days) children’s shoes.

He collects these items from yards in the blocks around our home. We have been able to “reunite” many with their owners, but if you are missing garden gloves, we have around 20 pairs and maybe a dozen singles so please reach out to us.”

Cat Keeps Stealing Clothes from Neighbors

[Published Jun 6, 2024 on cats.com]

In the serene suburban neighborhood where Juno lives, a story of mischief and surprising generosity unfolds, captivating the hearts of all who know her. Juno, a four-year-old feline with a knack for kleptomania, has brought her neighbors together as she goes on her nightly rounds, transforming her owner Carol’s backyard into a captivating treasure trove of stolen items and eclectic discoveries.

The Chronicles of Juno’s Pilfering Adventures

It all began innocently enough, with Carol discovering odd trinkets mysteriously appearing in her yard. Initially dismissed as the antics of neighborhood children, the truth was revealed when Juno was caught "red-pawed" bringing home a pair of infant leggings. As time passed, her escapades escalated, especially during the COVID pandemic, when she developed a penchant for “collecting” masks and sanitary wipes, much to her owner’s dismay. From June to December, she collected about 134 things.”

Juno’s Impressive Haul

And that was just the beginning. Over the years, Juno’s kleptomania has been meticulously documented by her owner, revealing a staggering total of 1,712 items to date. From balls to clothes to succulent plants, Juno’s finds have transformed Carol's backyard into a treasure trove of pilfered things.

The Community Icon

Despite her thieving ways, Juno is adored by her community, earning her the honorary title of “Mayor” for her efforts at cleaning up litter and bringing joy to all who encounter her. She’s become a local celebrity, featured in the newspaper, and even influenced local schools to prioritize cleanliness.

“Everyone embraced Juno during the pandemic when posts of her escapades started appearing on social media, and she was also part of a smile campaign." A local preschool teacher would show Juno’s videos to her class and this led to her being adopted as their mascot.”

Juno’s Enduring Legacy

“When I was going through cancer treatment, Juno was always there for me, giving me biscuits and laying on my chest to comfort me. She has a way of soothing the soul and was there for me through thick and thin,” Carol says.

As Juno continues to roam the streets, her legacy as the klepto cat with a heart of gold lives on. From comforting her owners to inspiring positive change in her community, Juno’s impact knows no bounds. Though her klepto tendencies may never be fully understood, one thing is certain: Juno is a unique cat whose paw prints will be forever etched in the hearts of those who have had the pleasure of crossing her path.

Watch this delightful video that follows Juno on her many adventures!