Jack, the cat lost at JFK and then found two months later, has died.

Jack’s owners had launched a campaign to find Jack, who got separated from his crate while traveling cargo on American Airlines. It swelled into a large Facebook group and got national attention. It got the attention of the airline, who posted about the search on their Facebook wall. After Jack was found, American Airlines paid for Jack’s veteniary care and flew his owner in to meet him.

But it wasn’t enough. Two months living in the airport had taken their toll. Jack was malnourished, dehydrated, and had developed dangerous skins conditions.

A Facebook post published by the administrator of the Jack the Cat fan page laid out what happened: “Jack had extensive wounds on the back of his body, and the wounds were unable to heal because his skin had deteriorated due to the malnutrition that occurred while he was lost. Despite antibiotics, the infections were worsening, and his skin was continuing to deteriorate. He needed surgery to treat the wounds, but there was not enough available skin to close the wounds after the surgery. The vet compared his skin condition to having severe burns over 50-60% of his body. The vet was very clear that she had conferred with every possible doctor regarding options for Jack, but none of them left him with a substantial chance of survival and all of them involved him suffering. Jack had been through so much, and the last thing anyone wanted was for him to suffer more.”

In a statement posted on their Facebook wall, American Airlines said, “We are deeply saddened that Jack the cat has passed away, and we offer profound sympathy to Jack’s owner, Karen, for her loss. Our heart also goes out to the Friends of Jack and those in the cat-loving community who have grown fond of Jack since he went missing. We understand that a cat is a beloved family member for so many, including our own employees.”

“From all of us at American, our sincere apologies to Karen and Jack’s family and friends. We also thank all of you who have provided support, ideas, kindness and understanding for Jack along the way,” said the airline.

RIP Jack – Full Info [Facebook]
Jack the Cat Dies [MyFoxNY]

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