An Amazon delivery driver caught on camera taking a family’s beloved cat from a doorstep now claims the animal was actually his own missing pet.
Joshua Gonzalez, the driver at the center of the viral incident involving a cat known as Junie, says he immediately recognized the feline while dropping off a package in Bakersfield.
“I was just doing my regular route. I approached the house. I got Brenda’s package, and I took it like a normal day,” Gonzalez told KGET News.
After hearing a meow, he said he looked down and instantly recognized the animal.
“I recognized it was my cat because of its distinct forehead design, the eyes, and how the body was set. I knew it was my cat. So I just grabbed him and walked off.”
Gonzalez has since produced documentation he says proves the cat belongs to him. The paperwork shows an adoption date of October 9, 2025. Gonzalez said he picked the cat out for his 7-year-old daughter.
He said he also provided the records to his employer following the incident.
“My manager calls me. Says to come pick up my check before Monday or Tuesday and that I was being terminated,” Gonzalez said.
Amazon confirmed the driver is no longer permitted to deliver packages on its behalf.
“We’ve been in contact with the driver’s employer and the driver is no longer allowed to deliver Amazon packages. We’ll continue to work with law enforcement and will defer to them for details as they investigate.”
The explanation comes after doorbell camera footage showed an Amazon driver picking up the cat and walking away after delivering a package.
The two sides also disagree over the cat’s identity.
Gonzalez insists the animal’s name is not Junie, saying his family never settled on a name but had been leaning toward Spartan.
He said the cat is back home and recently shared a photo of the feline beside him.
“She’s at home right now. With all of her toys. She’s not scared. She’s happy. She recognizes me. Right now, it’s his word versus hers [Brenda].”
But Brenda Wilson, who says she has had Junie for five years, continues to dispute Gonzalez’s claims.
Wilson also confirmed that Gonzalez used to live in her neighborhood.
Gonzalez acknowledged the video does not look good but maintains he simply took possession of a cat he believed belonged to his family.
“I didn’t do anything bad, but get my cat back. And it’s now in the rightful home. It’s back where it belongs.
It’s like a person who is looking for their cat – I’m a person who was looking for my cat – I got my cat back. I found it. And I took possession of my cat. Like anybody else would do.”
No criminal charges have been filed against Gonzalez, though the sheriff’s office says the case remains open and investigators are continuing to look into the dispute.
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