A pregnant cat named Athena has been missing in the parking garage of Ottawa Airport since Thursday, prompting a collaborative effort between the Ottawa Airport Authority and volunteers from a local rescue shelter to locate her.
A news release from Furry Tales Rescue indicates that Athena escaped from her carrier on March 21 while en route from Winnipeg to Ottawa. Her journey was part of a relocation effort by the rescue shelter after she was discovered in a landfill in Winnipeg.
Described as a long-haired grey tabby with a stubby tail, Athena was last spotted on the ground floor of the airport garage. The rescue organization is offering a $1,000 reward for her safe return.
Although friendly, Athena is said to be frightened and may be hiding under cars or possibly inside car hoods or wheel wells.
Krista Kealey, spokesperson for the Ottawa airport authority, confirms that airport staff are actively involved in the search, with regular patrols of the garage underway. Despite efforts, Athena remains elusive, prompting plans to distribute her photos to airport staff on Monday if she is not found by then.
Lead volunteer Janice Richard, an experienced trapper, reveals that volunteers have dedicated over 35 hours to combing through the garage, having heard the cat’s cries but unable to pinpoint her location. Speculating that Athena may have left the garage or hitched a ride in a car engine, efforts have extended beyond the garage perimeter.
Multiple food-baited traps have been deployed in the garage, but success has yet to be achieved. Donna MacRae, founder of Furry Tales Rescue, urges anyone who parked at the Ottawa airport since Thursday to check their car hoods, while residents in the vicinity are encouraged to inspect under their vehicles, in sheds, or garages.
With Athena’s resilience evident from surviving harsh conditions in a dumpster, hopes are high for her safe recovery amidst the ongoing search efforts.
