Has my long lost cat returned?

[WelshMoth]

5 years ago, when DD2 was becoming more mobile and grabby, my then 9 year old cat just up and left. We searched and searched...nothing.

Last week, a very thin and straggly cat with really similar markings and similar behavioural characteristics showed up. Totally out of the blue. Nervous at first, but after a few feeds, seemed content to chance her arm and try and venture into our house.

We've had her checked out by a Vet nurse for free and Nurse said she was 'middle aged'. I've also looked at old pictures of our lost cat and she has really similar markings, APART from one. Is it at all possible that markings can alter slightly after 5 years? And is it also possible that the Vet Nurse may be wrong on her age estimation?

Our other cat (exact age of lost cat) is still going strong, still with us. She's unimpressed with this little visitor, but they've stopped hissing at one another. She's 16 and since she's looking so good, I'm convincing myself that this is long lost Cat returned to us.

Possible or am I delusional?

Can you not tell just by looking at her face? I could recognise any of ours just by looking at the eyes really.

We had a cat that returned to us after two years. It jumped up miaowing at the kitchen window, outraged that the cat flap had been blocked up. There was no mistaking her.

if 5 years ago your cat was 9 and your current cat is exactly the same age then how is your current cat 16?

i dont think their markings change tbh. there is a cat that lives a few doors away from me and my friend is constantly ringing me to say my cat is in her house again when my cat is happily purring on my lap. this cat is identical to mine in markings but as far as i know isn't from the same litter.

The markings wouldnt change.

Does it answer to its name?