Cat owners thank for finding missing Abu Dhabi cat in New York airport

The owner of a cat lost at New York's JFK Airport for more than two weeks thanks the pet travel advocacy group Where is Jack and Etihad Airways for bringing Felix home.

Felix the cat is now back at home recovering. Photo taken from Jack The Cat is Lost in AA Baggage at JFK Facebook page

ABU DHABI // The owner of a cat lost at New York’s John F Kennedy Airport for more than two weeks has thanked the people who helped to return him home safe and well.

Felix went missing on April 1, when his travel cage broke open after it was unloaded from an Etihad Airways flight from Abu Dhabi to New York.

He was found with the help of Where Is Jack?, a pet travel advocacy group, and was returned to owners Jennifer Stewart and Joe Naaman.

“Bonnie Folz from Where Is Jack? has been our greatest asset and, as she lives close to J F K, that was really instrumental in finding our sweet little cat,” Ms Stewart said.

“As soon as she heard that there had been a sighting of a cat that fitted Felix’s description – thank goodness we handed out fliers of him on our searches with the scent dogs – near the FedEx cargo facility, she went right over, encouraged more humane traps to be set up and established a feeding spot near the sighting.

“This is where they eventually caught him. She was a true angel.”

Etihad Airways offered to reimburse the couple for their trouble.

“Easton Murielle from Etihad Cargo really made it a priority to find Felix, for which we are incredibly grateful,” she said.

“They really went above and beyond to rectify this situation. Joe and I were amazed by the quick action, care and compassion of Etihad, and I have no doubt that they will work to ensure better transportation for their precious furry passengers.”

Felix was said to be healthy after visiting a vet on Thursday. “He has a little infection on his nails, but has been prescribed an antibiotic to clear it up quickly,” Ms Stewart said.

“He’s resting soundly at home now. We are incredibly happy to have our favourite little kitty back with us. It’s nothing short of a miracle really.

“These two weeks have been trying in so many ways, but with the support of these individuals, all our friends and family, and this massive community of animal lovers, we feel blessed for such a happy ending.”

Felix was lost when Ms Stewart and her husband were returning to their home country after living in Abu Dhabi for more than three years.