Cat Sneaks into Package and Ends Up Shipped to California as a Stowawa

Family Reunited with Missing Cat After She Was Accidentally Mailed to California

A family in Utah has been joyfully reunited with their beloved pet cat, Galeana, after she was accidentally shipped hundreds of miles to California in a returned package.

Galeana had disappeared from her home earlier this month, sparking a frantic search. Little did her owners know, the curious cat had snuck into one of the family’s packages, which was being prepared for return shipment, and was unknowingly sealed inside.

Nearly a week later, an Amazon worker in California discovered Galeana, who had spent several days trapped in the large box containing steel-toed work boots. Despite the ordeal, the cat was found to be in good health, having survived without food or water, thanks to an open seam in the box that allowed her to breathe.

"It’s just part of Galeana’s personality—she loves boxes," explained her owner, Carrie Clark, in an interview with NBC’s Utah affiliate, KSL TV. "That’s how she ended up in such an unexpected place."

The worker took Galeana to a local vet, where her microchip was scanned, and Clark’s contact details were found. "I didn’t believe the vet at first—I thought it was a prank!" Ms. Clark said, describing the call as "the most amazing, insane news in the entire world."

Carrie and her husband then flew over 1,000 miles to California to bring their furry companion home. "It was an incredible reunion! Galeana immediately stopped shaking and relaxed in my arms," said Clark, recalling the emotional moment.

Thanks to the open seam in the box and favorable weather conditions, Galeana had managed to avoid freezing or overheating during the long journey.

Ms. Clark, who had been devastated by her cat’s disappearance, encouraged all pet owners to microchip their animals and, as a precaution, to "triple check your Amazon boxes."

The BBC has reached out to Amazon for comment regarding the incident.