That’s a PHARAOH Journey: Cat Hitches 3,000 Mile Plane Ride To UK From Egypt
A cat has managed to survive a whopping 3,000-mile trip from Egypt to the UK - in the cargo hold of a plane.
The miracle moggy was only spotted by staff at Birmingham Airport when they unloaded the Emirates Airline aircraft that had just arrived from Cairo.
It had somehow managed to sneak onto the seven-hour flight from the Egyptian capital and survived the stark conditions of the cargo hold.
The six-week-old kitten, that has now been named Cairo, was transferred to quarantine facilities where it spent 14 days under observation.
Now Emirates Airline bosses have agreed to fork out over £1,000 to pay for another three-and-a-half months of quarantine.
The lucky ginger cat will then be transferred to Lina’s Cat Rescue sanctuary in Derby and a new home will be found for her with one of their volunteer foster carers.
Esther Atkins, public protection officer at Solihull Council, said: “I knew that if we didn’t do something fast the kitten would be put down.
"As an animal lover I couldn’t let that happen.
"I’m so glad we’ve been able to save Cairo and I’m sure someone will come forward to home her once the full quarantine period is over.”
Laurie Berryman, Emirates vice president in the UK, added: "We’re delighted Cairo has had so much support and care since her unexpected arrival in the UK.
"When she was spotted sat among the cargo, our colleagues fed her and immediately contacted the appropriate authorities.
"We are very happy that, with our funding, the wonderful team at Lina’s Cat Rescue and Solihull Council are able to give Cairo all the TLC she needs during her quarantine period.”
Cairo will have to be spayed and will continue undergoing flea and worm treatment and will have a full veterinary health check before being put up for adoption.
Sheryl Leonardi, founder of Lina’s Cat Rescue, said “We have a strict ‘No Kill’ policy for healthy cats and when contacted by Solihull Council we were happy to take on the responsibility for all her costs. ”
