Mittens the cat becomes a frequent flyer after being neglected in the cargo hold – National

A Maine Coon named Mittens became a coincidence a frequent traveler after the cat’s cage was overlooked in the hold of the plane and she traveled between Australia and New Zealand three times in one day.

Eight-year-old Mittens was placed in the hold of the plane on January 13 as her family flew overhead, traveling 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, waited three hours to get her cat off the flight’s cargo hold, but the gloves 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

Ground staff eventually showed up and delivered some disturbing news—Mittens was returning to her country of origin, still in the cargo hold, again on a 7.5-hour trip.

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“I said, how can this happen? How can this happen? Oh my God,” Neas told The New Zealand Herald, adding that she had been told The glove box was covered with stowed wheelchairswhich means Air New Zealand the baggage handlers missed seeing her.

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When Mittens returned to New Zealand, the pet removal company that Neas used to book the initial trip helped the cat get on the flight back to Melbourne. The pilot was alerted to the presence of the cat, which is now flying on the plane, and the heating in the luggage compartment was turned on to keep Mittens comfortable on her third flight in 24 hours.

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“She’s actually just she ran into my arms and I just snuggled in here and just had the most cuddles of all time,” Neas told The Associated Press about the cat’s return.

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“It was such a relief,” she 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 to her.

“He acknowledged my concern and mentioned that if it was his family pet, you would feel the sameNeas told The New Zealand Herald.

“Although they engage 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.”