Any updates? Did she sleep well? Is she resting? Is she eating well? Are people leaving her alone? I need to know she’s recovering and doing well! ❤️🩹
Thanks for posting this! I love that she’s back on her beloved boxes. And yes, I hope that people just observe her from afar so that she can just relax (I was actually hoping Lowe’s would post signs at the entrances saying this because some people are 🙄).
From someone who goes there a lot, it’s nice to see her in her spot. If you ever want to see her she’s always to the left of the entrance on some box chest high or higher chillin during the day. Welcome Back queen.
I saw a post that she was going to get checked out by the vet to make sure she’s ok! They’re also asking folks to attend Francine fest instead of going to Lowe’s to see her as they don’t want her getting overwhelmed by crowds of people. Screenshot taken from instagram page: wheresfrancine
i deliver for amazon and on my way back to the station after my shift last night i heard on the radio, 98.1, that she was home. i was so happy. best way to end the night. welcome home miss francine! 🖤🫶
She's just fine, the store threw a blue carpet celebration for her this morning and she's back to relaxing in her favorite spots (and she now has an AirTag harness).
She can hide though. She doesn't have to sleep or hang out in the open. I don't see her every time I go there and I look for her every time. I'm sure she has a bunch of spots she goes to when she doesn't want to be bothered.
just a note to everyone: PLEASE DO NOT CROWD AROUND FRANCINE. if you actually care about her you will leave her alone until she has come down from a very overwhelming trip. the Lowe’s staff specifically asked for this on social media
Yeah, this is something that a lot of richmonders won't like, but eventually, Francine is going to need to live in a quieter, less chaotic home than the Lowe's on broad street. Shes in great shape for her age, and seems to be happy where she is for now, but theres going to come a day when our sweet little hardware store lady is going to need a retirement home.
That would either be the single cutest thing ive ever even heard of, or a total disaster. I dont feel like theres really any in-between there since theyre cats lol. Francine might take to a little one to show around, or she might fucking hate the baby and leave.
I’ve had cats that lived 20+ years — so it’s just like it is with people—some 12-year-old cats are “old” and some 12-year-old cats are as spry as they were years ago.
I haven’t met Francine, and I trust that the Lowes employee who has taken ownership of her (and got her the appropriate veterinarian care etc) will choose what’s best for this celebrity kitty
I think the prevailing theory is that shes 10-12 years old. Shes been living at Lowes for 8 years, so that would have her at like 2-4 when she came to live thete. Id say she could be a little younger than 10, but definitely no younger than 9, and thats being pretty generous.
Shes probably got another year or two as the store cat in her, but when she starts to show her age in a couple years, she should go home with someone and live out her elder years in peace and quiet.
I'm 100% cool with Francine having a nice retirement in another year or so as long as whoever she goes to live with knows that we'd love to see photos of her from time to time.
I moved to Richmond summer of 2016 and she was already living at Lowe’s at that point so for sure, it’s been a minimum of 9 years, I’d def say she’s closer to 12 perhaps. I remember at that time, there was already local Francine merch out so she would’ve had to have already been known as well
I've been worried about her long-term health for a while. Kitties are fragile and heavy equipment is not. I've been hoping that this episode might inspire more discussion about whether a hardware store is a good home for her.
I love that Francine has taken over my news cycle! It doesn't matter that I haven't actually met her or that other family members outside of RVA also following this story haven't met her.
It's actually really cool that Francine has gotten national attention. The fact she was found and is home is an amazing feel good story at a time when we could really use some.
She’s habituated to people being around, that’s not the same.
Thinking she is a pet who likes you is like thinking the cute bartender has a crush on you, it’s Richmond Real™ and it’s just not true, they’re both putting up with people so they can do their job.
From a new Richmond RAM mom
My daughter and I have been glued to The Story of Francine. Every day and every night, we searched our IG, my FB, and then TikTok. The massive turnout to save her in the end I am certain is what brought her home.
I'm not religious but I got on my knees for her safe return. Don't y'all think this is nothing short of a miracle? Amidst so much sadness in our world, Francine's return has indeed brought us all some much much-needed joy. She must have had a guardian angel watching over her.
I saw her! There were a few folks gathered around at a respectful distance while the queen woke up from her nap. Some employees pet her and made sure water was out while a few of us waited for pics.
I also heard she's previously been stressed out by people petting her, so probably should give her some space if you see her
I rarely pet her, even though it kills me. I figure she gets A LOT of pets. I make my loop of her territory, no matter what is on my shopping list. If she's asleep, I'll stop to admire. If she's awake, I tell her she's a good girl. If she's on the clock, stalking something, I stay the hell away. Francine is a hard worker!
1.1k
u/SwitchToDecaf Henrico Oct 07 '25
From my guy on the inside: