A Maine Coon cat named Mittens became an unintentional globetrotter this month after her cage was overlooked in a plane’s cargo hold, causing her to take three flights within 24 hours between New Zealand and Australia.
Mittens, 8, was booked for a one-way flight from Christchurch, New Zealand to her family’s new home in Melbourne, Australia, on January 13, according to New Zealand Herald.
However, her owner, Margo Neas, waited for three hours to have the cat unloaded from the plane’s freight area, only to be told by ground staff that the plane had already returned to New Zealand with Mittens still on board.
This return flight took about 7.5 hours.
Neas said: "I couldn’t believe it, how could this happen? Oh my God."
The journey from Christchurch to Melbourne spans roughly 1,500 miles, which means Mittens traveled around 4,500 miles before being reunited with her owner.
Neas was informed that the pilot had been notified about the extra passenger during the flight, and had turned on the heating in the cargo hold to keep the cat comfortable.
According to Neas, a wheelchair in the cargo area had blocked the baggage handler’s view of Mittens’ cage, which is why she was overlooked.
Neas shared: "It wasn't the ideal start to our new life in Melbourne, since our family wasn’t whole."
Fortunately, the story ended well.
The pet relocation company Neas hired met Mittens upon her return to Christchurch and made sure she was safely placed on another flight to Melbourne—this time for a one-way trip.
Despite losing some weight, Mittens was otherwise unharmed.
Air New Zealand assured Neas that all costs related to Mittens’ travels would be reimbursed and offered an apology for the distress caused.
A spokesperson, Alisha Armstrong, mentioned that they would work closely with the Melbourne ground handler to ensure such an incident wouldn’t happen again.
As for Mittens, who isn’t usually an affectionate cat, she’s become the cuddliest she’s ever been. Neas said: "The cat gets all the attention she wants right now because we’re just so happy to have her back."
Neas also shared that the airline's acting sales manager called to express sympathy for the situation.
Neas told the New Zealand Herald: "He understood my concerns and mentioned that if it were his own family pet, he’d feel the same way."