There’s just no collaring

PEPPER THE CAT has become the feline phantom of JFK Airport.

The wily tabby who ran away from her master at the airport’s International Terminal over a week ago has been spotted — but only in the distance, sources with knowledge of the search said.

As soon as it’s seen, the gray, black and white-colored apparition dashes off, vanishing into a superstructure above the airline kiosks.

Pepper’s owner, an attorney, was living in Jersey City but had to relocate to China.

The 29-year-old cat lover was checking into her flight with Pepper last Friday when her carrier fell and popped open.

Pepper jumped onto the check-in counter, then leapt onto a low roof of the check-in kiosk and disappeared.

Much like a wandering spirit, Pepper only appears early in the morning, usually at 3 a.m., looking for something to eat.

On Thursday morning,