Newborn kitten rescued after getting stuck inside a car engine for an 80-mile drive: 'He's precious cargo'

A uniformed official holds a small tabby kitten in a parking lot, looking down at the animal in his hands.

On September 2, the City of Kerrville, Texas responded to an unusual call: A local healthcare worker had arrived for work, only to hear a cat crying from inside their engine bay. 

On Facebook, the City of Kerrville said the newborn kitten had made the trip “all the way from Rocksprings, Texas,” which meant it had been riding inside the engine for at least 76 miles. 

“[Peterson Health] hospital staff removed the vehicle’s front grille to safely reach the kitten, with City of Kerrville Animal Control Officer James Lee on scene to assist with the rescue and hand her off to Kerrville Pets Alive!” The City of Kerrville stated. “The kitten is now in Kerrville Pets Alive!'s care, where she’ll be paired with a nursing mother.”

A uniformed official in a tan cap and olive uniform holds a small striped kitten in his hands while looking down at it in a parking lot.
The City of Kerrville, Texas

The city account thanked Peterson Health staff, Kerrville Animal Control and Kerrville Pets Alive! for providing “a safe ending to a very unexpected road trip.”

Kerrville Pets Alive! is a volunteer-run organization dedicated to saving homeless pets in Kerr County, Texas, that acts as a go-between for Kerr County Animal Services, local shelters, and foster networks. 

“Since the formation of KPA!, there has been a substantial decrease in the number of pets euthanized in Kerr County,” the nonprofit stated on its website. 

On September 3, KPA! shared its own update on “the precious cargo.”

“After one very unexpected road trip, this little one is safe, warm, snuggled up in our care, and has a full belly,” the nonprofit shared.

A person wearing a teal sweatshirt with "KERRVILLE PETS ALIVE!" text holds a small gray and white kitten against their shoulder.
Kerrville Pets Alive!

Within 24 hours, the comment section beneath the video was filled with requests from prospective adopters and praise from well-wishers. 

“I just can’t imagine how this little one got into the engine compartment. So glad he is ok,” one person wrote. “Thank you to everyone who helped!”

A person's hands hold a small gray and white kitten that is eating from a bottle. The person is wearing a ring and has a tattoo visible on their arm.
Kerrville Pets Alive!

“Thanks to everyone who helped this tiny one survive,” another Facebook user commented. 

KPA! said it truly “took a village” to save their newest foster. 

“We’re incredibly thankful for every person who stopped what they were doing to make sure this kitten got a second chance,” KPA! wrote. “[He’s] one very tiny kitten with one very BIG army of advocates behind him!” 

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Featured Image: The City of Kerrville, Texas

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