A Maine Coon named Mittens accidentally became a frequent flyer after the cat's cage in the cargo hold of an airplane was overlooked, traveling between Australia and New Zealand three times over the course of one day.
Eight-year-old Mittens was booked into the cargo hold of a plane on Jan. 13 as her family flew from Christchurch, New Zealand, to their new home in Melbourne, Australia.
Owner Margo Neas told The Associated Press that when they landed on Australian soil, she waited three hours to have his cat unloaded from the flight's cargo area, but Mittens never showed up.
In this photo provided by Margo Neas, her cat, Mittens, plays with a Donald Trump toy in Melbourne, Australia, on January 7, 2019.
Margo Neas via AP
The ground crew finally showed up and gave him some worrying news: Mittens was back in his home country, still in the cargo hold, making the 7.5-hour trip once again.
“I said, how can this happen? How can this happen? “My God,” Neas told the New Zealand Herald, adding that he was told Mittens' box was covered by a stowed wheelchair.meaning Air New Zealand baggage handlers had not seen it.
When Mittens returned to New Zealand, the pet removal company Neas had used to book the initial trip helped the feline get back on a flight to Melbourne. The pilot was alerted to the presence of the now jet-setting cat, and the heat was turned on in the cargo hold to keep Mittens comfortable on his third flight in 24 hours.
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“She basically just ran into my arms and I just snuggled here and gave him the biggest hugs ever,” Neas told The Associated Press of the cat's return.
“It was a great relief,” he added.
In this photo provided by Margo Neas, her son Jackson Brow holds their cat, Mittens, in a cat carrier at Melbourne Airport on January 14, 2025.
Margo Neas via AP
Air New Zealand reimbursed Neas for all of Mittens' travel expenses and apologized.
“He acknowledged my concerns and mentioned that if I were his family pet, he would feel the sameNeas told the New Zealand Herald.
“While they contract with third parties to manage cargo removal, ultimately Air NZ is responsible and must give the same care and priority to all passengers, whether human or furry.”
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