Stowaway cat makes it to L.A. from the Philippines

INDUSTRY - A 4-year-old domestic short-haired cat was discovered alive inside a freight container on July 16 after apparently traveling 6,000 miles from the Philippines to Los Angeles.The cat was weak and frail but is expected to survive. "It is amazing that this cat could survive the almost 6,400 nautical mile journey by sea without food or water," said Marcia Mayeda, director of the Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control. "She has been closely monitored and cared for by our medical team and is getting stronger and putting on weight." The cat has been named "Pinay" (pin-eye) by staff, a common term for a female Filipino. Pinay just cleared her quarantine and is now in need of a permanent home. "It is important that potential adopters or foster families have considerable experience dealing with skittish cats," Mayeda said. "Pinay has been through a lot and needs a calm, loving family to help her transition." Interested adopters may e-mail daccevents@animalcare.lacounty.gov.

********** Published: Aug. 15, 2013 - Volume 12 - Issue 18