Have you ever been in the situation where you’re getting ready for a trip and your cat decides to make your suitcase their new favorite spot? I certainly have! My cats always seem to sense when I’m about to leave and use my suitcase as a comfy protest corner by sitting on it. But can you imagine accidentally packing your cat and heading to the airport without realizing it? That’s what happened to a cat in Brooklyn, but luckily, the sharp-eyed airport staff noticed the feline stowaway before any major mishaps occurred.
The New York JFK International Airport staff were in for a surprise when they discovered a live cat inside a suitcase during a routine security check. The owner of the suitcase had no clue what was about to unfold as the TSA team scanned the bag through the X-ray machine. Alongside typical travel items like bottles, glasses, and flip flops, the unmistakable outline of a cat caught their attention. They were left astounded at the unexpected sight.
After a thorough examination, it was evident – there was indeed a ginger cat nestled inside the suitcase, alive and unscathed despite the extended time spent inside. The cat had managed to position itself on top of the luggage, with its fur peeking out between the zippers. Luckily, sharp-eyed TSA officials spotted the feline in time, preventing it from inadvertently embarking on a journey to Orlando, Florida, where the cat could have faced peril during the flight. According to TSA representative Lisa Farbstein, stumbling upon a live animal in a checked bag is a rare occurrence. Fortunately, the cat didn’t attempt to flee, enabling officials to keep it safe until the owner clarified the situation.
TSA officials were surprised to find a cat named Smells hidden in a passenger’s suitcase, despite not belonging to the traveler. Smells, a sneaky little feline, had managed to stow away without anyone noticing. The passenger had to rebook their flight for the next day, while Smells was happily reunited with his family, unfazed by his adventure. The cat’s true owner later revealed that Smells likely hitched a ride in a guest’s luggage without anyone realizing. Just a friendly reminder to always check your bags before traveling to avoid any unexpected furry surprises!
Cats are known for their curious and sneaky nature, so it’s essential to be mindful when preparing for your upcoming travels. You definitely wouldn’t want your feline friend to accidentally get stuck in your luggage like Smells did, or risk missing your flight altogether. For a more practical approach, Farbstein advises using designated pet carriers to guarantee that your beloved pet can journey safely and in compliance with all regulations during your next flight.