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Cat Travels 4,500 Miles After Being Overlooked in Plane Cargo Hold

Mittens, an 8-year-old Maine Coon, accidentally took three flights between New Zealand and Australia in a single day before reuniting with her family.

  • Mittens was mistakenly left aboard an Air New Zealand flight after her cage was obscured by a stowed wheelchair in the cargo hold.
  • The cat traveled back and forth between Christchurch, New Zealand, and Melbourne, Australia, completing three flights totaling 4,500 miles in 24 hours.
  • Air New Zealand activated heating in the cargo hold to ensure Mittens' comfort after the oversight was discovered mid-flight.
  • The pet moving company facilitated Mittens' return to Melbourne, where she was safely reunited with her relieved owner, Margo Neas.
  • Air New Zealand apologized for the incident, reimbursed all costs, and pledged to improve protocols for live animal transport.
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