Stray cat stows away in cargo container from China to Minnesota. 'Miracle'

TJ Macias, The Charlotte Observer on Jun 12, 2025

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A rare “first” has happened to an animal rescue in Minnesota — one that possibly won’t ever be repeated. A stray cat managed to find herself thousands of miles from home … on a completely different continent.

Needless to say, staff was in shock.

“After nearly 15 years providing animal control services, it’s rare for us to experience a true ‘first’… but today was one of those days,” the Companion Animal Care & Control said in a June 5 Facebook post.

“Meet our first-ever stray cat from China—yes, you read that right.”

Her name? Stowaway (as named later by the Northwoods Humane Society in Wyoming.)

“This tiny survivor was found inside a shipping container that traveled thousands of miles across the ocean, all the way from China to Oakdale, MN,” Companion continued.

“For three long weeks, she likely survived by drinking condensation and maybe snagging a rodent or two. By the time she was discovered—hiding under a pallet as the crates were being unloaded—she was severely dehydrated and dangerously thin.”

The animal rescue service posted photos of the escape artist, then safe in a kennel, looking worn and afraid. They also shared photos of the cargo she was inside.

“Thankfully, our team was called, and with a little patience (and a humane trap), we were able to safely catch her,” the rescue said.

“This cat is nothing short of a miracle.”

She was transferred to Northwoods, who provided an update on Stowaway.

“Just wanted to give a quick update on her — yesterday, she was transferred to the care of Pet Haven, Inc. of MN, who will be able to provide her with the care she needs in this next step of her journey to adoption,” the shelter said in a June 11 Facebook post. “With their Wallflower Program, she’ll get the quiet, time and care she needs right now.”

Oakdale is about 20-miles east of Minneapolis.

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