In an epic feline travel saga, Mittens the Maine coon cat inadvertently took three round trips between New Zealand and Australia, leaving her owner Margo Neas both relieved and wondering if her cat moonlighted as a jetsetter.

Mittens' unplanned airborne adventure unfolded after the cat was mistakenly left in a plane’s cargo hold, resulting in three unexpected flights in just 24 hours. While the Air New Zealand crew struggled with a stowed wheelchair obstructing their view, Mittens received the royal treatment as the pilot ensured the cargo hold's heating was on. Despite shedding some travel weight, the once aloof kitty returned home a newfound bundle of affection, possibly contemplating a career in international travel.

Mittens was scheduled for a one-way flight from Christchurch, New Zealand, to Melbourne, Australia, on January 13, 2025. Simple enough, right? Cats are notoriously good at keeping their travel itineraries. However, unbeknownst to both Mittens and her owner, Margo Neas, this trip was destined to be anything but straightforward. After all, few plans survive contact with the reality of airplane logistics, especially if you're a cat basking in the delusion of grandeur.

After Margo patiently waited for three long hours at the baggage claim in Melbourne, her anticipation turned into confusion and eventually into mild panic. Instead of a cozy reunion with Mittens, she learned that her furry companion had inadvertently taken an extended trip back to New Zealand because of a bureaucratic blunder involving a wheelchair. This prompted a mix of horror and disbelief — clearly, Mittens had unknowingly found herself on the itinerary of a seasoned traveler. While most pets might enjoy a cozy cabin ride, Mittens' adventure involved a full 7.5 hours in an airplane's cargo hold.

Air New Zealand's ground staff relayed the cause of the oversight: a stowed wheelchair had blocked the view of the baggage handler, hiding Mittens’ cage. It must be noted that this man was not just a regular handler; he was a cat handler who handed a cat handling error, resulting in Mittens clocking air miles that most of us can only dream of. Left alone in the dimly lit cargo hold, it’s possible that Mittens exchanged secretive glances with the cargo and contemplated the meaning of life beyond the ordinary domesticated existence.

Fortunately for Mittens, some kindness prevailed in high places. The Air New Zealand pilot took it upon himself to ensure the heating was turned on in the cargo hold, allowing the feline stowaway to remain comfortable during her unexpected travels. Without some feline tail-raising misfires, it’s likely this adventure would have ended in catastrophe rather than cuteness. After her arduous journey, Mittens was reunited with Margo, sporting a slight weight loss but otherwise unharmed, a feat reminiscent of amazing cats who survived against all odds, only to return home with wild tales—or perhaps just a light scratch from an overly enthusiastic luggage tag.

Margo, clearly relieved, detailed the moment of reunion when Mittens, usually averse to cuddles, jumped into her arms. In a surprising turn of affection, Mittens manifested a level of cuddle bug behavior that left Margo questioning if her cat was actually a shapeshifter returned from a fantastical realm. "She's the cuddliest she's ever been," Neas remarked, clearly astonished by the transformation. The ensuing bonding must have felt like a reunion between long-separated friends, except with a lot more purring and a lot less verbal communication.

In light of the whole situation, Air New Zealand issued an apology for the distress caused and promised to reimburse Margo for all travel expenses related to Mittens' curious voyages. One can only imagine the paperwork involved; after all, how does one file for pet travel reimbursement after an unintended joyride?

As for Mittens? Well, she has certainly had a remarkable travel experience, making three trips in 24 hours between New Zealand and Australia. For now, she’s settling back into domestic life, perhaps plotting her next airport escapade or secretly working on her feline social media influencer persona. Who knows? The world is full of endless possibilities.