Catching up: Francine's finders reflect on their moment in the spotlight

Name: Francine the cat

Why you know her: A longtime resident of Lowe’s on West Broad Street, Francine became a worldwide celebrity this fall after employees at the hardware store reported her missing Sept. 18. The community rallied around her, and thanks to video surveillance, animal rescue operations, and the Richmond community, Francine was found safe and returned to the store on Oct. 6.

What's happening now

Richmond’s favorite feline is back home, napping and playing with Lowe’s customers after her now-infamous journey to North Carolina. Since then, she’s been outfitted with an AirTag – just in case she accidentally hops on another truck. 

A few days after Francine went missing, friends Elise Gilmore and Chas Nabi heard the news and decided to create an Instagram account, @WheresFrancine, to get the word out. The account quickly became the go-to spot on the internet for the latest updates about the search for Francine. 

In October, Gilmore and Nabi put together “Francine Fest” at Mainline Brewery benefiting the Richmond SPCA, SOS Cats RVA and the Richmond Animal Care and Control. More than $10,000 was raised for the volunteer-run SOS Cats, Gilmore said. 

Francine Fest will be back next year, Gilmore said. Until then, she and Nabi are using the Instagram account to promote local animal organizations and spread the word about missing cats, like Honu, whose family is doing everything they can to get him home. A children’s book about Francine’s journey benefitting animal rescue organizations is also in the works, Gilmore said.

Now that she’s home, Gilmore said Francine is doing what she does best – relaxing and bringing joy to the people of Richmond. Gilmore and Nabi take turns going to Lowe’s to visit; @WheresFrancine’s audience of 40,400 followers demands cat content. 

Francine is more famous than ever, and people are welcome to go visit her, Gilmore said. But her adoring public should avoid bringing her treats – she was getting way too many when she first got home, which gave her an upset stomach. She loves to play, but she’s not a big cuddler, so visitors should refrain from picking her up, Gilmore said. 

As far as being a celebrity goes, Francine has not let it go to her head, Gilmore said. Someone asked Gilmore if Francine was jealous of the now-infamous raccoon who was found passed out in the bathroom at an Ashland ABC Store. 

But Francine is secure in her stardom and doesn’t let the competition get to her. 

“She could not care less,” Gilmore said.