A cat named Rowdy has finally been caught after spending three weeks on the run inside a US airport.
The four-year-old pet has been dodging airport staff, airline employees and animal experts at Boston’s Logan International Airport since escaping from his cage in pursuit of some birds.
“Whether out of fatigue or hunger we’ll never know, but this morning she finally let herself be caught,” an airport spokeswoman said.
The black green-eyed cat was given a health check and is now set to return to her family.
“I’m kind of in disbelief,” said her owner Patty Sahli. “I thought, what are the odds we’re actually going to get her back?
“But I got a call this morning and I am just so shocked.”
She added: “It was such a community effort. We’re just so grateful to everyone who helped look for her.”
Rowdy’s escape took place on 24 June after Ms Sahli and her husband Rich returned to the US after spending 15 years in Germany.
When their Lufthansa flight landed, the feline ran from her cage to try and catch some birds.
A chase ensued, with her getaway sparking a massive search by staff, construction workers and animal welfare advocates.
On a mission to track down the pet, the group used safe release traps and set up wildlife cameras to try to catch her.
In a Facebook post, Ms Sahli said they also sent the airport Rowdy’s favourite treats to be placed in the cages and even recorded voice notes for them to play.
Despite numerous sightings, Rowdy continued to elude her pursuers – but calm has now been restored.
