In a bizarre discovery that left airport staff speechless, security personnel at John F. Kennedy International Airport succeeded in finding a CAT packed inside a passenger’s checked luggage. The ginger feline was detected when the suitcase passed through the standard X-ray screening process on November 16, catching the attention of alert Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers.
How Finding a CAT in Luggage Could Have Ended Tragically
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When questioned about the feline stowaway, the passenger claimed the cat belonged to “someone else in his household,” though authorities haven’t released additional details about how the animal ended up packed in the suitcase. The incident of finding a CAT in such an unusual place raises questions about whether the cat crawled into the open luggage unnoticed or if there was some other explanation.
Pet travel experts emphasize that this situation highlights the importance of keeping pets away from packed luggage and always double-checking bags before sealing them, especially in households with curious cats. Felines are known for seeking out warm, enclosed spaces, making an open suitcase a tempting hiding spot.
“Cats are natural hideaways and can slip into a partially packed suitcase without anyone noticing,” explains veterinary behaviorist Dr. Lisa Radosta. “Always keep pets in a separate room when packing for travel to prevent these dangerous situations and avoid the shock of airport security finding a CAT in your luggage.”
This isn’t the first time pets have been accidentally packed. Several similar incidents of finding a CAT or other pet in luggage have been reported over the years, though fortunately, most are discovered before the animals are placed in potentially dangerous cargo situations.
TSA’s Witty Response to Finding a CAT in Checked Bag
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The TSA, known for their humorous social media presence, couldn’t resist sharing the unusual experience of finding a CAT with a pun-filled announcement. On their official Twitter account, they wrote: “We’re letting the cat out of the bag on a hiss-toric find. This CATch had our baggage screening officers @JFKairport saying, ‘Come on meow’!”
The agency continued their feline wordplay after finding a CAT, adding “Feline like you have travel questions reach out to our furiends @AskTSA. They’re available every day, from 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. (ET).”
Their creative approach to public communication turned what could have been a serious incident into an educational moment about the thoroughness of airport security screening procedures and the unexpected situations that arise when finding a CAT or other unusual items.
Happy Ending After Finding a CAT in Passenger’s Suitcase
TSA spokesperson Lisa Farbstein later provided an update on the cat’s status after finding a CAT in such an unusual circumstance, confirming that the feline was safely “out of the bag” and back home where it belongs. “A @TSA officer was shocked to find an orange cat inside a checked bag at @JFKairport after it went through the X-ray unit,” Farbstein posted.
She added, “Traveler said the cat belonged to someone else in his household. On the bright side, the cat’s out of the bag and safely back home.”
The story of finding a CAT serves as a reminder of the important role security screening plays not just in keeping passengers safe, but occasionally in saving the lives of unintended animal travelers as well. It also highlights the need for pet owners to be vigilant about keeping track of their furry companions, especially when preparing for travel.
Aviation experts note that had security failed in finding a CAT in the luggage, it would have faced extreme danger in the cargo hold, which is not pressurized and temperature-controlled the same way as the passenger cabin.
This unusual incident of finding a CAT joins the ranks of strange items discovered by airport security over the years, though living creatures certainly stand out among the contraband typically found during screening procedures.
