After surviving a three-week, 8,000-mile voyage from China to Oakdale, Minnesota, trapped inside a shipping container, a resilient cat has made an incredible recovery — and could soon be ready to find a loving forever home, according to CBS News.
The feline — now named Xiao Mao — is believed to have endured both an ocean crossing and a train ride while confined and alone before arriving at a business in Oakdale.
“It’s actually amazing she survived that journey, and we are not 100% sure how she did it,” Pet Haven Inc. of Minnesota executive director Kerry D’Amato said. “Three weeks without food or water, she would not be alive. She must have been drinking condensation, maybe eating bugs and rodents there.”
Once the container was finally opened, Xiao Mao was spotted hiding beneath a stack of pallets. Animal control then responded to the scene and lured the emaciated and dehydrated cat into a trap before transporting her to the Northwoods Humane Society in Wyoming, Minnesota, to recover.
Xiao Mao (Courtesy of Pet Haven Inc. of Minnesota)
However, her frail state and intense fear of people made her unsuitable for a traditional shelter environment, so the Humane Society transferred her to Pet Haven for specialized care.
For the first few months, she remained easily scared and would hide when someone approached. But through the rescue’s Wallflowers Program — which helps nervous and undersocialized animals come out of their shells — she gradually grew more comfortable and trusting of her caretakers. She’s also formed a deep bond with another cat, Prince, who has further helped in the rehabilitation process.
“I don’t know where Prince got his name, but maybe it’s Prince Charming because I will tell you, this boy is charming,” D’Amato said. “She is definitely smitten.”
According to Pet Haven, the adorable duo should be ready to be adopted as a pair within the next few months.
Lady Freethinker is grateful to Pet Haven and everyone involved in Xiao Mao’s rescue and recovery. Her story is an amazing example of the resilience of animals and the power of compassion to change lives.
