A STOWAWAY African cat which jumped on to a pilot's lap at 30,000ft

during a flight to Britain could be getting a ticket home.

The cat appeared during the 10-hour trip between Zimbabwe and Gatwick.

It climbed out from the rudder pedal slot in the cockpit of the Boeing

767.

After the plane landed at Gatwick, the cat was lured out by the RSPCA

and ground staff using a plate of mince. This caused a 12-hour delay to

the return flight.

A spokesman said: ''It is now the responsibility of the Ministry of

Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. It is hoped to transport it back, but

it depends on whether Harare will accept it or not.''