Kitty Chaos in the Cockpit! Frisky Feline Forces Flight Delay

It looks like Saturday Night Live’s Toonces the Driving Cat has taken to the skies—trying to take over the cockpit on an Air Canada flight from Halifax to Toronto.

According to CBC News, another passenger accidentally opened the cat’s carrier while trying to put luggage in the overhead bin, and the feline (real name: Ripples) promptly made a break for the cockpit. The panicked kitty somehow squeezed her way inside the avionics bay, where she hid among the wires and navigational instruments.

Apparently the cat found the inside of the plane to be more comfortable than the overhead luggage bin (and perhaps better than an economy-class seat) and could not be convinced to come out. The flight had to be delayed for about four hours while workers took apart sections of the cockpit to free the cat and check the wiring for damage.

Luckily, Ripples the cat was corralled safely and was even allowed to remain on the flight (back in the carrier, of course) with her owner. Ripples had no comment at press time.

Of course, cats on a plane make a much cuter story than some of the other wildlife gone wild we’ve seen in the skies recently. Check out our stories on animal smuggling, snakes on a plane, and cockroach chaos.

Or, for more practical advice, read about pet-friendly airlines, pets flying alone, and traveling safely with pets.