Cat from China Gets a Limo Ride to New Home

TAMPA, FLA. - A cat that survived a monthlong journey from China to Tampa in a cargo container, received a luxurious ride to its new home in a limousine.

Ultra Pet Co. of South Carolina arranged the limo ride and also donated a year's supply of kitty litter to the cat and her adoptive family, said Hillsborough County spokeswoman Donna Olmstead.

Animal officials think the 8-month-old cat began her journey at a factory in China, where workers loaded boxed parrot cages into a 40-foot metal container March 4. The container came by boat to Los Angeles, then by rail to Tampa, arriving April 9 at a warehouse.

When the container was opened, the cat jumped out. The feline was treated by a local veterinarian and then put up for adoption by Hillsborough County Animal Services. Named China by animal services staff, the cat weighed 3 pounds when she was discovered. Now up to 4 pounds, 7 ounces, China has been vaccinated and fitted with a microchip identification tag.

Randy Lyons, who lives in Tampa with his wife, Marta, two children and two cats, was chosen to adopt the cat because his adoption application was next in line. Lyons was surprised about all the attention.

"We thought we would just pick up the cat and bring it home," he said. "I've never been in a limo myself."