A Cat’s Wild Ride: Mittens, the Maine Coon Who Became an Accidental Frequent Flyer

A Maine Coon by the name of Mittens became an accidental frequent flyer after her cage was overlooked in a plane cargo hold, and she traveled between Australia and New Zealand three times over the course of a day.

Eight-year-old Mittens was booked into the cargo hold of a plane on January 13 as her family flew above, making their way from Christchurch, New Zealand, to their new home in Melbourne, Australia.

Owner Margo Neas told The Associated Press that when they touched down on Aussie soil, she waited for three hours for her cat to be unloaded from the flight’s freight area but Mittens never appeared.

The Journey Continues

Ground staff eventually showed up and delivered some distressing news – Mittens was on her way back to her country of origin, still in the cargo hold, making the 7.5-hour trip once again.

“I said, how can this happen? How can this happen? Oh my God,” Neas told The New Zealand Herald, adding that she was told Mittens’ crate was covered by a stowed wheelchair, meaning the Air New Zealand baggage handlers had missed seeing her.

The Third Flight

When Mittens arrived back in New Zealand, the pet-moving company Neas had used to book the initial travel helped the feline get back on a flight to Melbourne. The pilot was alerted to the now-jet-setting cat’s presence, and the heat in the cargo hold was turned on to keep Mittens comfortable on her third flight in 24 hours.

Conclusion

Mittens’ story serves as a reminder of the importance of careful planning and attention to detail when traveling with pets. As a proud owner, Margo Neas was relieved to have her beloved cat back in her arms, but the experience was a stressful and trying one. It’s a good thing Mittens is a trooper and made the most of her unexpected adventure!

FAQs

* Q: How did Mittens’ journey begin?
A: Mittens was booked into the cargo hold of a plane on January 13 as her family flew above, making their way from Christchurch, New Zealand, to their new home in Melbourne, Australia.
* Q: What happened when Mittens didn’t appear at the destination?
A: Ground staff eventually showed up and delivered some distressing news – Mittens was on her way back to her country of origin, still in the cargo hold, making the 7.5-hour trip once again.
* Q: How did Mittens’ owner feel about the experience?
A: Margo Neas was relieved to have her beloved cat back in her arms, but the experience was a stressful and trying one.