An eight-year-old cat named Mittens flew three times between New Zealand and Australia in 24 hours. Airport employees did not notice the animal's cage while unloading the luggage hold.
On January 12, a family from Christchurch, New Zealand traveled with an eight-year-old Maine Coon cat to their new home in Melbourne, Australia. After landing, they waited for the animal's cage for three hours until it turned out that the plane had started its journey to New Zealand with their pet. The cat returned to the country she came from.
The cage was left in the luggage hold due to the inattention of the airport staff. As explained, the employees probably did not notice it because it was covered by a wheelchair placed next to it.
The cat stayed on the plane
During the next several-hour flight, the cat was provided with comfortable conditions. The pilot, who was informed about the situation, turned on the heating in the luggage compartment. The animal was later transported again to Melbourne, where its longing family was waiting for it.
– Mittens ran into my arms and hugged me. It was such a relief, said Margo Neas, the cat's owner. “It wasn't the best start to our new life in Melbourne,” she added.
Air New Zealand apologized for the situation and promised to refund the travel costs.
The owner with her cat Mittens Rod McGuirk/Associated Press/East News
Main photo source: Rod McGuirk/Associated Press/East News