Now, if you have never owned a cat there are two common things to keep in mind. First a cat won't go into a carrier willingly and second once in the carrier the cat doesn't just stroll out on command. Cat carriers are designed to have the top half as removable for this very reason.
It is apparent that she had to disassemble the carrier at the security checkpoint.
I guess things have changed in the last few years. I had to transport my daughter's cats when she & her husband were going to Iraq. We left Ft. Riley and drove the cats in their pet carriers to Kansas International Airport. They were taken to baggage claim where the airport crew took over. We didn't see them again until we arrived at our destination, picking them up at baggage claim.
Hey, maybe there's a little kitty TSA somewhere under the terminal!
Her cat.
Her responsibility.
I’ve flown with cats, one had frequent flyer miles.
.