Mechanics rescue abandoned kitten found trapped in vehicle’s engine

GASTONIA, N.C. (WBTV/Gray News) - Workers at a car dealership in North Carolina were called for a surprise rescue after an abandoned kitten was found trapped in a vehicle’s engine.

Kiplin Charles works at Gastonia Nissan, and during his rounds, he came across something he wasn’t expecting.

He said he heard the cries of what sounded like a kitten.

“I got down on my hands and knees and started calling the kitten,” Charles said.

When the feline meowed back, Charles called fellow workers for help.

“The service techs came out; they got on the ground, they got dirty,” he said.

Technicians jacked the vehicle up to get a better angle for the rescue, and after several tense minutes, the kitten came out.

They loaded the kitten safely in a box and took it back to the service area. That’s where Joseph Mendoza took notice.

Mendoza was working in the service bay when Charles walked in with the kitten.

An admitted dog person, he was instantly smitten and ended up adopting the cat.

“This cat was very cute, and I figured I’d give him the love that he needs,” Mendoza said.

Dr. Sara Toner, veterinarian at Total Bond Veterinary Hospital, said she checked the kitten and found it to be in good health despite the scare.

“I’m excited. The future will hold a lot of good memories with him,” Mendoza said as he headed home with the kitten.

The feline was said to be hiding from predators or something that scared him that day when he found himself in the vehicle’s engine.

Mendoza said he named his new kitten Turbo, following the ordeal and his lucky rescue.