An eight-year-old cat named Mittens flew between New Zealand and Australia three times in 24 hours. The airport staff did not notice the animal’s cage while unloading the luggage.
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 three hours for the animal’s cage until it became clear that the plane had traveled to New Zealand with their dog. The cat returned to the country it came from.
The cage was left in the luggage due to the indifference of the airport staff. As they explained, the staff may not have noticed him because he was in a wheelchair next to him.
The cat stayed on the plane
During the flight of the next few hours, comfortable conditions were provided to the cat. The pilot, who was aware of the situation, turned on the heating in the cargo compartment. The animal was later flown back to Melbourne where its dream family awaited.
– Mittens ran to 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,” he said.
Air New Zealand apologized for the situation and promised to refund the cost of the trip.
Owner with his cat Mittens Rod McGuirk/Associated Press/East News
Featured photo credit: Rod McGuirk/Associated Press/East News
