Cat travels alone on German high-speed train after owner misses departure during smoke break
A cat ended up traveling alone on a German high-speed train after its 22-year-old owner stepped out for a cigarette and failed to get back on board before departure.
The unexpected solo journey took place aboard an ICE train traveling from Wiesbaden to Hamburg, German magazine Der Spiegel reported on November 13, citing federal police.
A train attendant discovered the cat sitting on a passenger seat, with a backpack and jacket nearby - but no sign of its owner.
The attendant contacted Germany's federal police, who are responsible for railway security.
Officers took the cat and its owner's belongings to the federal police station in Hamburg-Harburg, where they gave the animal water.
A search of the backpack revealed the owner's personal details and phone number.
Less than two hours later, the 22-year-old man arrived at the police station and explained what had happened.
He had stepped off the train for a cigarette at Uelzen station, but the train departed before he could return.
The man also explained why the cat was traveling with him: it was intended as a gift for his nephew.
Police did not report any injuries to the animal.