Cat accidentally trapped for 3 weeks in a shipping container from China to Minnesota survived with no food or water — leaves vet baffled

The cat's behavior was initially very defensive, hissing and lunging at anyone who came near her.

PUBLISHED 3 DAYS AGO

(L) Skinny Outdoor cat. (R) Shipping containers. (Representative Cover Image Source: Getty Images | (L) foaloce, (R) Sasin Tipchai)

A remarkable story of survival and recovery has emerged from Minneapolis, where a cat named Xiao Mao has defied all odds. After enduring a harrowing three-week journey inside a shipping container, the little cat was found emaciated, dehydrated, and skittish. Her rescue was just the beginning of a long recovery process, but thanks to the dedication of volunteers at Pet Haven Inc., Xiao Mao began gradually gaining trust and becoming more comfortable in her new life.

Shipping containers. (Representative Image Source: Pexels | Chanaka E)

As reported by PEOPLE, Xiao Mao’s journey began in June 2025 when she was unknowingly trapped in a shipping container that traveled over 8,000 miles from China to Minnesota. Kerry D'Amato, executive director of Pet Haven, shared with the outlet, "It's actually amazing she survived that journey, and we are not 100% sure how she did it." She added, "Three weeks without food or water, she would not be alive." The little cat likely survived by drinking condensation and perhaps eating bugs or rodents, but after being discovered in Oakdale, Minnesota, she was found severely underweight and dehydrated. Despite the odds, she was alive but needed extensive care.

Cat hissing at an approaching intruder. (Representative Image Source: Unsplash | Rasmus Järborg)

After her discovery, Xiao Mao was initially sent to Northwoods Humane Society. However, due to her fragile condition, she was transferred to Pet Haven Inc., a Minneapolis-based rescue organization known for its work with traumatized animals. Pet Haven runs a special program called the Wallflowers Program, which focuses on rehabilitating shy and scared animals. "When she arrived to us, she was deathly thin and very ill," D'Amato shared. Xiao Mao’s behavior was initially very defensive, hissing and lunging at anyone who came near her. But with time, patience, and care, she began to make progress. "She would charge at us, hiss, and lunge. Today, she chirps at us and comes out when we call her. Her eyes are bright, her ears are forward, she is giving us all the indications she is trusting."

Female vet doctors are examining a domestic cat. (Representative Image Source: Getty Images | ArtistGNDphotography)

Through steady socialization, Xiao Mao’s personality started to emerge. No longer just hiding, she began to seek attention from her caretakers, and her health improved. A major turning point in her recovery was her bond with another cat named Prince. The calm and gentle nature of Prince has helped Xiao Mao gain more confidence. "She is definitely smitten," D'Amato said to CBS News, noticing the shift in her behavior. This special bond is expected to help both cats find a home together, as Pet Haven anticipates they will be ready for adoption as a pair in the coming months.

A cat eating cat food from a plate. (Representative Image Source: Getty Images | mister Big)

The success of Xiao Mao’s rehabilitation is not only due to the dedication of Pet Haven but also highlights a growing issue in local shelters, which is overcrowding. As D'Amato explained, the rescue organization relies almost entirely on donations and volunteers. "We give them socialization steps where they can learn trust. They can learn to become friends with humans again and find their forever family," she said. In light of overcrowding, Pet Haven encourages people to adopt or foster animals to help alleviate the pressure on shelters and give more animals like Xiao Mao a chance at a new life.