How this cat became an accidental frequent flier

Mittens had no idea he was about to become an international headline. But when the Maine Coon was accidentally left in the cargo hold of a plane, he found himself on an unexpected journey between New Zealand and Australia — without his humans.

For days, Mittens crisscrossed the skies as the airline scrambled to get him home. It wasn’t until after multiple flights that he was finally reunited with his family, safe but undoubtedly confused.

“Mittens is such a special cat to so many people,” said his owner, Silvio Bruinsma. “It was an extremely stressful time, but we’re just relieved he’s back.”

Mittens' misadventure is a wake-up call for anyone traveling with pets. Air travel is already stressful for cats, and mistakes — like misplaced paperwork or missed checks — can have serious consequences. While most airlines have strict procedures, human error still happens.

“It’s a complex process,” explains Dr. Emily Blackwood, a vet specializing in pet travel. “Pets in cargo are supposed to be checked and confirmed before takeoff. But when things go wrong, they really go wrong.”

Mittens’ case wasn’t just an inconvenience. Long-haul flights can expose pets to extreme temperatures, dehydration, and stress. Which is why many experts recommend avoiding cargo travel unless absolutely necessary.

Mittens’ ordeal isn’t just an extraordinary story — it’s a reminder to take pet travel seriously. If you’re flying with your cat, here’s what you can do to avoid a similar nightmare:

Triple-check documentation. One missing form can delay or misdirect your cat’s journey.

Confirm cargo loading. If your cat must fly in the hold, ask for confirmation that they’ve been boarded and safely secured.

Choose direct flights. The fewer connections, the less chance of things going wrong.

Track your pet. Some travel crates allow GPS tracking, so you always know where they are.

Consider alternatives. If possible, keep your cat in the cabin or choose ground transport.

Mittens’ adventure had a happy ending. But not every story does. So, if you’re traveling with your cat, be prepared. Stay vigilant. And never assume someone else is double-checking the details.

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