After nearly two weeks of tense searching, Athena, a pregnant cat who vanished in the Ottawa International Airport parking garage, has been found. The lost feline, originally from Winnipeg, was discovered in the early hours of Tuesday by an alert airport employee, concluding an extensive search that captured the hearts of local animal lovers.
Athena arrived in Ottawa on March 21, entrusted to Furry Tales Cat Rescue for better veterinary care and a safe place to deliver her kittens. However, shortly after her arrival, the cat carrier unexpectedly opened, and Athena slipped away into the airport’s expansive parking area.
The community’s response was immediate and heartfelt. Furry Tales Cat Rescue mobilized a wide network of volunteers and experts who dedicated their days to canvassing the airport grounds. Flyers were distributed, and traps, bait, and food were strategically placed in hopes of safely capturing the expectant mother.
Marta Burczycka, a devoted volunteer with Furry Tales, shared her relief and joy with the community: “We are over the moon. Everyone was crying today, ecstatic in disbelief. Just so very happy and grateful,” she said. Marta highlighted the cat’s maternal instincts as a driving force behind her survival, noting, “She’s a mom; she’s carrying babies, which played into her survival instinct because she wanted to protect herself and also her babies.”
The rescue operation saw significant support from social media, where updates and pleas for community vigilance were shared widely. “It was an incredible effort by everyone,” Burczycka added. Volunteers like Janice Richard were instrumental, with Richard spending 10-12 hours daily on the search. The collective effort also included airport employees who kept an eye out and helped spread the word.
The turning point came when an airport employee noticed a cat hiding in a corner of his building. Initially unaware of Athena’s identity, a conversation with his wife who had followed the search on social media led to a breakthrough. Armed with a new sense of purpose, he returned with a trap and managed to safely capture Athena.
Upon rescue, Athena was found to be very much pregnant, hungry, and understandably frightened, but otherwise in stable condition. “I’m just thrilled, beyond thrilled that we finally found her. I haven’t slept much in 12 days, so I’ve been up there a lot,” said Richard, reflecting on the exhaustive search.
Furry Tales Cat Rescue has announced that Athena is now receiving the necessary veterinary care and will soon be placed in foster care where she can safely have her kittens. Once the kittens are old enough, they will be put up for adoption.
The successful rescue of Athena not only highlights the perseverance and dedication of the local community but also underscores the importance of collaborative efforts in times of need. “She’s a survivor,” Richard stated, summing up the sentiment of everyone involved, “A fabulous survivor.”