Can a momma cat recognize her young after years of separation?

No way. Cats know each other by scent, period. When I take my cats to the vet separately, they hiss at each other when they first return home, even though they're mother and daughter and were only apart for less than one day.

Once, the mom cat got outside for 2 days. The kitten took nearly two weeks to recognize her again, after I bathed them both in the same stuff (to equalize their scents.)

Its most likely that they wont. I have 3 cats one is the mother of the other two. the mother (bella) spoiled the male cat even let him nurse untill he was a year old but then suddenly one day bella didnt want anything to do with him or his sister (lilly). Cats are just cats and even though they have the memory to find there way home from half way accross the country doesnt mean that the'll remember there offspring.

No. No more than a Horse or a Dog would remember an offspring from years of separation. Just like people, because there is no residual smell.

They probably won't recognize eachother. But cats can sometimes surprise people in matters like that.

i have often wondered that myself, however, i believe that the cat would not recognize her offspring and just act as if it was just another cat

Cat's have an impeccable memory, as do dogs. Plus, scent has a lot to do with it. I'm almost positive they would both remember each other. Put 'em together and have a Kitty Reunion. Good times.

Most probably not....just like dogs, they'd have to get used to each other again. I believe your moma cat would treat her like just any other cat. Best of luck to you.

No they are not likely to recognize eachother and if they are of opposite sex then they might choose eachother as friends and might join together for sex. Animals live like this. Its natural.

Ive had that happen before and my cat DID NOT like its "kitten"

nope! i have 2 cats taht are brother and sister and after a year we had them my sister gave us the momma and they dont remeber eachother