Jack the Cat remains frail; airline will pay vet bills

Jack the Cat is back -- in the news. The ginger-colored cat found Tuesday at JFK Airport underwent surgery Thursday for a wound on his leg but remains fragile after weeks without regular food and water.

American Airlines, which lost the cat on Aug. 25, says it will pay Jack’s veterinary bills and, if asked, transport for the cat and owner Karen Pascoe when Jack is able to travel. Spokesman Tim Smith says he doesn’t know how much the care will cost. “We’re just focusing now on helping to see that Jack gets back up to full health,” he said.

The Facebook site run by supporters of the search for Jack posted this Thursday:

“Jack’s surgery was for a wound on his leg .... The vets were pleased with the outcome of the surgery, but he’s still not out of the woods. All of his medical issues at this time are a result of 61 days of malnutrition. Keep the good thoughts and prayers coming...”

The site, called Jack the Cat Is Lost in AA Baggage at JFK, also said Pascoe was being flown to New York to be with Jack, courtesy of American. Pascoe had taken then 18-pound Jack to be shipped from New York to California on Aug. 25 but was later told by the airline that the cat had escaped.

The search was on. The airline started its own Facebook page dedicated to Jack, and supporters have kept the feline on the nation’s radar via Facebook. Since Tuesday, the Facebook page added more than 500 new fans.