Internet Star: This Cat Got Lost and Returned Home on Three Flights
A family from New Zealand tried to send their cat to Melbourne, Australia, but unexpectedly, the cat was left behind on the plane. How did she eventually reach her destination?
It's not every day we hear about a cat becoming an airplane passenger, but that's exactly what happened to Mittens, an 8-year-old cat who became an internet sensation after a technical error led her on a surprising journey.
The story began when the Neas family from New Zealand tried to transfer their cat Mittens from the Carlton district in New Zealand to Melbourne, Australia. Surprisingly, the cat was forgotten on the plane after landing in Melbourne. After three hours of waiting at the airport, ground staff informed the family that the cat had not been removed from the plane, and the pilot, mistakenly, flew back to New Zealand with the cat in the cargo hold.
For about seven and a half hours, the cat flew back to Carlton, remaining hidden in the cargo hold. During the flight, the pilot was aware of the situation and therefore activated heating in the cargo hold.
After landing in New Zealand, the cat was taken off the plane and put on a flight back to Melbourne. Upon reaching her destination, the cat was a little thinner but not harmed. The cat's owner, Margo Neas, said that the cat, not usually fond of pampering, "ran to her excitedly and lay in her arms," which made her feel relieved.
Despite the unexpected events, Air New Zealand apologized for the unusual mishap and offered to compensate the family for any expenses incurred as a result of the mistake.
The story quickly became a hot topic on social media, and naturally, Mittens not only became a frequent traveler but also a new internet star. She received a lot of attention from online users who praised her ability to endure all the challenges on her way to her family.
