Do cats have good memory?

A few years ago, my male cat(not neutered, but still was infertile) managed to run out the door when I wasn't looking. I haven't seen him since for two years. I live in east las vegas, so a few miles out, you will start to find patches of desert untouched by civilization. There is falcons, bunnies, kestrels, lizards, and big rats.(it's kinda weird cause the animals live near so many houses) i had to ride two miles to my school and while i was riding home, a cat approaches me and meows. he looks exactly like my cat. This is probably still about two and a half miles from my house. I stop and he purrs and rubs against me. he was running from near commotion, but stopped for me. Could this cat have been mine? Why me? maybe he remembered me? Can cats sense animal lovers? What do you think? Thanks:D