Stowaway cat recovering after 6,400-mile trip in container on ship without food and water

A 4-year-old domestic short-haired cat who was found inside a freight container after travelling across the Pacific Ocean without food or water is looking for a home. The cat was listed in fair condition after being found on July 16 in a container that arrived in Los Angeles aboard a ship en-route from Manila, Philippines.



The County of Los Angeles Department of Animal Care and Control (DACC) was contacted by the business after employees opened the container and found the cat. “The cat was very weak and frail,” said Marcia Mayeda, DACC’s director. The cat, named “Pinay” (Pin-eye) by staff, was described as a Domestic Short Haired, orange and white female and is listed in fair condition at the Baldwin Park Animal Care Center’s medical unit.

“It is amazing that this cat could survive the almost 6,400 nautical mile journey by sea without food or water,” Mayeda said. “She has been closely monitored and cared for by our medical team and is getting stronger and putting on weight.” The DACC Veterinary staff reports that Pinay has made significant strides in her physical condition since coming to the animal care center. Her name, “Pinay,” is a common term for a female Filipino.


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“We wanted to give her a name which kept her close to her roots,” said Dr. Maria Sabio-Solacito, DACC’s Senior Veterinarian and a native Filipino. Pinay – who just cleared her quarantine – is now seeking a permanent or foster home, preferably with an owner accustomed to skittish cats, Mayeda said. “We will continue to provide the best care for Pinay until we can send her off to her new home,” Mayeda said. “Pinay has been through a lot and needs a calm, loving family to help her transition.”