Cat flown back to Alberta after hitching ride to B.C.

A cat that hitched a ride from Alberta to the West Coast in a moving van flew back home Friday.

Andy Delahayeof Sherwood Park, Alta., and her catDiva were reunited at the Edmonton International Airport after the grey tortoiseshell tabbywas flown home from B.C. with a Westjet employee escort.

Diva vanished from her home more than three weeks ago.

Delahayeassumed her cat was roaming the neighbourhooduntil she got a message from her former neighbour, who had moved to Duncan, B.C., a few days before.

I guess she wanted to do some further exploring. Andy Delahaye

"One day, she just kind of went missing,"Delahayerecalled."I was looking for her everywhere, I went outside, called her name and I was getting ready to make posters, and then I got a text."

Diva had snuck into the neighbour's moving van, hunkered down with the boxes and furniture, and made the 1,230-kilometre journey to southern Vancouver Islandundetected.

"I was kind of in shock," Delahaye said. "I didn't know whether to laugh or cry."

The cat spent 48 hours trapped in the trailer on the long haul west but was apparently no worse for wear.

"She was just a little bit thirsty and hungry but she was OK," Delahaye said. "She's a pretty tough kitty."

Help from rescue group

Delahaye said she only let Diva outside for the first time the week before.

"I just got her fixed not that long ago.I got her fixed and I was like, 'OK, finally she can explore.'

"She was so happy to be outside and exploring. I guess she wanted to do some further exploring."

Initially, a long-haul trucker offered to give Diva a ride home but it didn't work out.

With the help of a rescue group called Finding Lost and Escaped Cats, Diva finally landed a flight home.

• Toothy squirrel saved when Alberta rancher trims its tusks
• Edmonton firefighter has clich first day on job, rescues cat from tree

Delahaye said she is thrilled about all the help she received.

She will be keeping a closer eye on her cat from now on.