In an extraordinary tale of aviation and animal resilience, a Maine Coon cat named Mittens recently embarked on a journey from New Zealand to Australia—unintentionally. Left behind in the baggage compartment of a locked plane, Mittens spent six days navigating the perils of commercial travel before finally being discovered.

The incident unfolded when an airline cargo worker made a routine check, only to find the feline, bewildered yet unhurt, amongst the luggage. With no idea how Mittens had managed to slip past checks, the airline has launched an internal investigation to ensure that such a mishap does not happen again.

Mittens, a beloved companion of a local family, had been mistakenly placed in the cargo hold during a last-minute travel mix-up. Upon her rescue, the airline arranged for a prompt reunion, covering all veterinary checks and providing a complimentary return flight for the brave kitty.

Despite her unexpected adventure and a few extra kilometers on her paws, Mittens has returned to her home. Her owners plan to keep a closer eye on their adventurous pet after this feline faux pas. As one owner put it, “She’s had her fun in the skies, but this cat’s place is definitely on solid ground!”