09-07-2025
'Dusty' the cat travels 400 miles from home from the Isle of Man to Devon after stowing away in van
ITV Granada Reports' Isle of Man reporter Joshua Stokes meets 'Dusty' after returning safely home to the island
A missing cat has returned safely to the Isle of Man, after being located 400 miles away from home in Devon.
'Dusty' had stowed away in a van during the TT races in June, before being discovered by a van driver in the south of England.
Much the surprise of her owners, Dusty had travelled in the back of the van from Douglas in the Isle of Man, across the ferry to Liverpool, and south to Tavistock in Devon.
Dusty's owner Liz Skillicorn said she is known for venturing out across the island, but never expected her to find her way overseas.
Dusty went missing during the TT fortnight on the island, and was last seen on the dashboard of a van.
After days without being seen, Liz concluded that Dusty was missing.
That was until she was contacted by a man who was working on the Isle of Man during the TT races, saying he believed Dusty was in the back of his van.
Liz said: "He sent me a picture and I was like oh god she's alive she's safe... I was like where are you? I'll come and collect her. He said I'm in Tavistock... I was like where the hell is Tavistock!"
Tavistock is 395 miles away from Dusty's home in Douglas, situated in Devon.
Liz believes Dusty jumped inside the van before it left Douglas, where she was next discovered at the end of the journey in the south of England.
A fundraiser then saw islanders donate over £1,000 to fund Liz's journey to collect Dusty and bring her home.
Liz said: "I couldn't believe so many people wanted her back - to us she's just a family cat - but obviously she's at the hospital all the time so a lot of people know her."
Dusty is notorious on the Isle of Man for visiting Noble's Hospital and spending time with the staff and patients.
Liz said: "She wanders in and eats lunch with them, loads of visitors absolutely love her - she's actually got followers in New Zealand and America who say they can't wait to come over for the TT to see the cat!"
Liz collected Dusty from Kit Hill Cattery a few days later, and they started their 400-mile journey back to the Isle of Man.
Since returning home, Liz said Dusty "hasn't ventured very far as yet", but they have only recently started to let her out the house again.
Despite her escapade, Liz said: "I don't think it's phased her at all!".
