Billy Paschall had lost nearly everything when severe flooding swept through McCaysville, Georgia, but one worry weighed especially heavily on him. His seven beloved cats had disappeared during the chaos of his rescue, leaving him wondering whether he would ever see them again. Days later, while speaking with a television reporter outside his damaged home, something happened that neither man expected. His final missing cat, Bounce, suddenly appeared, turning an interview about devastating losses into a reunion filled with relief.
For Paschall, the moment came after several exhausting days of uncertainty. His home had been flooded, his belongings were gone, and his community was struggling to recover. Yet the return of one familiar little face gave him something precious to hold onto when so much else had been taken away.
Seven Cats Go Missing During a Flood Rescue
The frightening ordeal began when powerful flash flooding overwhelmed parts of northern Georgia. Paschall became trapped on the porch of his McCaysville home as the water rose around him in the night. He waited for hours until police could reach him by boat. Throughout the ordeal, his seven cats remained nearby, frightened by the rising water.
Paschall told CBS News Atlanta that his cats were “totally freaking out” because they did not like water. The animals had climbed onto small cat houses on the porch, trying to stay above the floodwaters.
When rescuers finally arrived, they helped Paschall and his cats aboard the police boat. Unfortunately, somewhere during the confusion surrounding the rescue, all seven cats went missing. Although Paschall had escaped the flooding, he now faced the heartbreaking uncertainty of not knowing where his pets had gone. With his home severely damaged, finding his cats became one of his biggest concerns.
A Simple Suggestion Helps Bring His Cats Back
In the days that followed, Paschall returned to a property that barely resembled the home he knew. Floodwater had reached approximately five feet inside the house, leaving the rooms empty and his belongings ruined.
During this difficult time, he received advice from CBS News Atlanta meteorologist Orelon Sidney, who was also a cat lover. She suggested placing a cat box outside his home to encourage his missing pets to return. Paschall decided to try her suggestion and left the box on his front porch. Soon afterward, he began noticing his cats returning to the property.
One by one, six of his seven beloved companions made their way back. It was an enormous relief, but one important member of the family was still missing. Bounce had not returned, and Paschall continued hoping that his last cat would find his way home.
Bounce Appears In The Middle Of A Television Interview
On Monday, CBS News Atlanta reporter Daniel Wilkerson returned to Paschall’s property to document the aftermath of the flooding. The two were discussing the destruction and the challenges facing local residents when Paschall suddenly noticed something familiar. It was Bounce, the very cat he had been waiting to see. The unexpected arrival happened while the television interview was underway.
“That’s my Bounce,” Paschall said as he recognized his beloved companion.
Wilkerson immediately realized the significance of the moment and asked whether Bounce was the final missing cat. Paschall confirmed that he had not seen him until that very moment.
“I hadn’t seen him ’til right now,” Paschall explained.
After days of worrying about his missing pets, Paschall finally knew that all seven had returned. What began as another difficult conversation about his losses had unexpectedly become the happiest moment of his recovery so far.
The reunion also gave Paschall an opportunity to reflect on Sidney’s suggestion. He explained that the other cats had started returning after he placed the cat box outside, and he credited her advice with helping bring his companions back.
His Home Is Empty, But His Cats Are Back
The return of Bounce did not erase the enormous challenges Paschall still faced. His house had suffered extensive damage, and the flood had destroyed nearly everything he owned.
“It’s been terrible, man, I lost everything,” he told CBS News Atlanta.
Throughout McCaysville and surrounding Fannin County, other residents were also dealing with damaged homes, destroyed belongings, and the difficult work of cleaning up. Emergency crews continued assessing properties while community organizations offered assistance to affected families.
For Paschall, however, the return of his cats brought a welcome change after days filled with worry. He could finally stop searching for the seven animals who had been with him when the floodwaters rose.
When asked how he felt after seeing Bounce again, Paschall described the moment simply as a relief. His home still needed extensive recovery work, but the last of his missing cats had found his way back. All seven were finally accounted for, giving Paschall a reason to feel hopeful as he faced the difficult task of rebuilding his life.