Wayward cat captured at New York airport after a week on the run

Pepper the Cat was finally caught after being loose for a week at JFK Airport. Photo / Port Authority Police Department

The cat, a female feline named Pepper, was to travel to China with her owner who was taking up a new job. But Pepper bolted from her owner on April 20 as they were preparing to board the flight to China.

The owner had to board the flight without Pepper after she alerted airport authorities who could not locate the frisky feline prior to takeoff.

Pepper the Cat, lost on 4/20/18 in Terminal 4, JFK, has been sighted. #PAPD is now attempting to rescue Pepper. Humane traps have been set up in hopes the PAPD can reunite Pepper with its owner. #PAPDPROTECTSNYNJ #Pepper pic.twitter.com/qOnTN2OxUk

— Port Authority PBA (@PAPD911) April 26, 2018

The wayward cat was loose at busy John F. Kennedy International Airport for a week before she was found.

WABC-TV reports that Pepper the cat was lured out of hiding early on Saturday. Pepper was spotted several times in non-public areas but eluded capture for days.

Then on Saturday, the officer who led the rescue effort enlisted the help of a friend of Pepper's owner, who called Pepper by her Mandarin name and enticed her with food.

Pepper still remains elusive in JFK Airport's Terminal 4 but, Pepper appears healthy. #PAPD police officers are continuing their efforts to rescue Pepper and return to her owner. Officers have been leaving food for Pepper in the areas of her sightings. #PAPDPROTECTSNYNJ pic.twitter.com/owuBgCLq3b

— Port Authority PBA (@PAPD911) April 27, 2018

The officer and the friend then grabbed Pepper and the friend will be responsible for getting Pepper safely to her owner.