One flight-related cat incident on a domestic American flight in October was reported when a cat leapt out of a cargo hold and ran off, according to a U.S. Department of Transportation report released last week.
In the incident, a black cat with white paws leaped out of a bulk cargo door and darted toward a terminal upon arrival of a Hawaiian Airlines flight from Honolulu to Los Angeles.
Ramp agents attempted to catch the cat but were unsuccessful, according to the airline’s report. The report does not state if the cat was checked in by a passenger or if it was a stowaway.
After the incident, the airline contacted a local pet feed and supply company to obtain traps and laid them out in hopes of finding the cat. To date, however, the cat has not been found, according to the airline. Possible incident causes are being investigated.
From January through October of 2006, a total of eight animals were lost at United States airports before, during or after air transport, according to Department of Transportation statistics. In addition, 24 animal fatalities occurred, which were mostly dogs, and nine animals were injured, according to the data.