It wasn’t a house fire or medical emergency that had the Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District rolling into action this week on one particular call this week—it was something a bit hairier. In a rescue that was a bit out of the ordinary, firefighters were called to save a kitten trapped in the engine compartment of a vehicle, helping the tiny feline avoid what could have been a real “cat-astrophe.”
The call came from a Rancho Cordova neighborhood, where a concerned citizen discovered that a very young kitten had gotten stuck deep within the vehicle’s engine bay. Unsure how to reach the frightened animal safely, they turned to the professionals. As the details were a bit fuzzy, Engine 61’s crew arrived and quickly assessed the situation.
With the hood popped and tools in hand, the crew used a calm and methodical approach to carefully navigate the tight space beneath the hood. In just a short time, they were able to gently remove the kitten from the engine compartment, saving the little one from what could have been a tragic end had the vehicle been started. The kitten, though understandably shaken, was unharmed—and likely has quite the adventure to remember.
The fire district shared the rescue on social media, using the moment to remind drivers of an important cold-weather safety tip: “Tap the hood or give a honk before starting your car.” During colder months, small animals like cats often seek warmth by crawling into engine bays, where they can become stuck or seriously injured.
While firefighters are trained for all types of emergencies, this particular call left a few hearts a little warmer—and not just the kitten’s.
Thanks to the quick thinking, compassion, and steady hands of Engine 61, a “cat-astrophic” situation turned into a touching rescue story.
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