Cats, with their stealthy ways and mischievous charm, often keep their owners on edge, and it’s not uncommon for pet parents to experience mini heart attacks when their feline friends mysteriously disappear. However, the nightmare scenario of a hidden kitty reached its crescendo one Thanksgiving amidst the hustle and bustle of one of the nation’s busiest airports.
While the internet is awash with images of cats lounging provocatively on half-packed suitcases, there’s one feline, named Smells, who took the art of concealment to new heights, earning itself an unexpected trip to the airport.
On the 22nd of November, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) made an announcement that left many bewildered and amused: a TSA officer had unearthed an orange cat tucked away inside the checked bag of an unidentified traveler at John F. Kennedy Airport in New York. As the bag passed through the X-ray scanner, the thermal signature of the cat lit up the screen in a vivid shade of red, revealing the cheeky stowaway. The agency even shared an image capturing the cat’s tufts of hair peeking out as an officer gingerly approached to unzip the bag. Thankfully, the cat was in good health, although likely perturbed about its disrupted beach vacation. According to the TSA, the traveler disclosed that Smells was, in fact, the beloved companion of another member of their household.
After sharing the concerning images of the cat’s unexpected journey, TSA Spokesperson Lisa Farbstein lightened the mood by presenting a heartwarming picture of Smells relishing a Thanksgiving feast in the comfort of its Brooklyn home. “Smells, the cat who @TSA recently rescued from a checked bag at @JFKairport after he snuck into a suitcase in an attempt to fly to Orlando, enjoyed Thanksgiving at home in Brooklyn,” Farbstein shared. “Apparently Smells was planning to chase after a big mouse he heard was running around Disneyworld.”
Smells’ escapade stirred a mix of concerned reactions and amusement. One Twitter user couldn’t help but wonder, “The people who own him didn’t notice him in the suitcase when they zipped it up?” Another replied, “As somebody who’s cared for a number of cats, I absolutely believe this can happen.” Yet another user concurred, saying, “Surprised this doesn’t happen more often actually, ’cause I know cats.”
A feline named Smells was discovered hidden inside a checked bag at JFK Airport in New York. The bag was en route to Florida.
Thankfully, Smells the Cat was found in good health. According to the TSA, the traveler later disclosed that Smells belongs to another member of his household
TSA Spokesperson Lisa Farbstein brightened the story by sharing an endearing image of Smells, the cat, savoring a festive meal within the comforts of its own home.
Smells’ adventure triggered a range of responses, with some expressing concern, but many cat owners found themselves nodding in understanding, for they could relate to the escapades of a stowaway cat.
In this captivating tale of a feline fugitive’s inadvertent journey, Smells the Stowaway Cat reminds us that cats can be experts at disappearing acts, even when the stakes are as high as a transcontinental trip. As Thanksgiving came to a close, Smells was undoubtedly grateful for being rescued in the nick of time and for being able to chase his whimsical dreams from the comfort of his own home.
