Amazing Cat Ignored By Airport Staff Flies 8,000 Miles in 24 Hours

Becoming a frequent flyer is something millions of people aspire to attain. However, one accidentally adventurous cat recently racked up over 8,000 miles in 24 hours. The cat, ignored by airport staff, traveled alone from New Zealand to Australia three times in one 24-hour period.

The Associated Press reports the Maine Coon cat, named Mittens, was inadvertently overlooked in the plane’s cargo hold. Here’s what happened and what pet parents should know when flying their dog or cat on board or in cargo.

Photo by Stefano Zocca on Unsplash

Sweet Cat Ignored by Airport Staff

Our story begins when 8-year-old Mittens was placed in her travel crate and into the airplane’s cargo hold. The cat’s owner, Margo Neas, booked a one-way ticket for her and her family, which includes Mittens. The Neas family traveled from Christchurch, New Zealand, to their new residence in Melbourne, Australia.

When Mittens’ mom waited at the freight area after the flight, she saw no signs of her feline family member. After three hours, Neas asked staff when she would be reunited with her cat.

After investigating the situation, airport staffers informed Neas the plane had returned to New Zealand, and Mittens was still on board. The return trip took nearly eight hours, so employees acted quickly to protect Mittens.

A Lesson in Pet Travel

After contacting the pilot on the return flight to New Zealand, he turned on the cargo heating so Mittens would not be cold.

"I said, 'How can this happen? How can this happen? Oh my God,' " Neas shared with the Associated Press.

Unfortunately, A wheelchair obstructed Mittens’ kennel, so baggage handlers accidentally overlooked her. Once the cat landed safely in New Zealand, a pet moving company helped return her to her worried family in Melbourne.

Once the cat landed and was brought to Neas, she rushed into her arms and shared many grateful cuddles. Fortunately, Air New Zealand apologized and reimbursed Neas for the cat’s travel costs.

Risks of Air Travel for Pets

This case shines the spotlight on pet travel protocol and safety measures that airport employees should take. What started as a cat ignored by airport staff had a happy ending. However, things could have ended much differently.

Air travel can be safe, but only if everyone takes precautions. Some of the biggest risks when traveling by plane with your dog or cat include:

• Delays in connecting flights can impact a pet’s health and well-being.
• Mishandling of crate(s) that can harm the pet.
• Noise sensitivity at airports, in cargo loading areas, and in the belly of the plane.
• Escape risks if the crate is not secure or is accidentally opened; this happened many times after the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.
• Breathing difficulties for brachycephalic breeds or flat-faced cats.
• Temperature extremes can affect pets in cargo. Pets left on the airport tarmac in crates are exposed to sounds and weather.
• Hunger or dehydration as pets can become dehydrated if they have no water. While some pet parents don’t feed their pets before air travel, this can lead to hunger.

Understanding the risks can help pet parents take the necessary pre-flight steps. However, pets are still at the mercy of airport employees and weather conditions.

Essential Tips For Keeping Pets Safe During Air Travel

Before you fly with your dog or cat, read our article on essential tips for safe travel with pets. One of the key things to do is research the airline’s record of keeping pets safe at 35,000 feet.

Some other pre-flight tips include consulting your veterinarian to get a health certificate and any necessary records, being current on vaccinations, and avoiding as many layovers as possible.

Not all airlines allow pets to remain with you in the cabin. Never assume your pet can sit with you, even if you purchase an extra ticket. You never want your cat ignored by airport staff, but you should never break the rules or try to sneak a pet onboard.

Here are some related articles to ensure your dog or cat is safe when taking to the skies: Be Prepared with a Dog Travel Kit

Travel Dog Crate: Easily Find the Best for Your Pet

Airline Approved Dog Carrier: Choose the Safest Option