A brave little kitten found herself stuck in a drain pipe but was eventually rescued and reunited with her cat family.
It all started at a factory in Elkhart County, Indiana, where workers discovered a feral cat mother and her adorable kittens in need of help.
While they were trying to ensure the safety of the kittens, one of them got startled and made a daring escape towards a gutter, leaping straight into the drain pipe.
The situation became quite tricky because the plastic gutter pipe went three feet down and then angled out to a manhole pipe, making it impossible for the kitten to climb back up.
Despite their best efforts, the workers couldn’t rescue the frightened feline, so they reached out to a local organization called Catsnip Etc for assistance.
When the rescuers from Catsnip Etc arrived, they faced the challenge of determining which pipe the little adventurer had taken refuge in.
They spent hours searching with a camera, exploring the complex maze of underground pipes, but the elusive kitten remained out of sight.
With darkness approaching, they decided to regroup and return the next day with fresh ideas.
Thanks to the collaborative efforts of community members and Miller Sewer Cleaning, a plan was devised to run water down the pipe she had jumped into, hoping to trace its path and locate her hiding spot.
The plan proved successful, and they identified the manhole connected to the desired pipe, which turned out to be far from where she had initially fallen.
Now, the task of rescuing the kitten safely fell to someone courageous and unafraid of tight spaces. Ashlee, who saw the plea for help on social media, stepped up to the challenge without hesitation. She went down the manhole and embarked on her mission to save the stranded kitten.
As Ashlee approached the frightened little furball, the kitten recognized her savior and eagerly came towards her. After enduring approximately 40 hours underground, she was more than ready to escape. The relief was palpable when Ashlee announced that she had successfully retrieved the kitten.
The rescued kitten was wet, muddy, and shivering from the cold. She was swiftly wrapped in a towel and taken home to be dried off and warmed up with the help of a heating pad and warm fluids. The team administered Karo syrup to address her low blood sugar and gradually fed her once she regained warmth.
While the rescue efforts continued, the rest of the cat family was placed in foster care, ensuring that no one was left behind. As soon as the little adventurer regained her strength, she was joyfully reunited with her mother and siblings. The sight of her running to them and cuddling under her mom’s chin was truly heartwarming.
This tiny drain pipe kitten was much smaller than her littermates, but she was ecstatic to be back with her furry crew, seeking comfort and love from her mom. The whole family is now receiving socialization and plenty of affection.
It took the combined efforts of a caring community and more than a day to save this tiny kitten. Now, she can enjoy the comforts of indoor life alongside her mom and siblings, knowing she’s safe and loved. This little fighter has shown incredible resilience and is thriving, weighing in at a healthy 11 ounces.
If you’re touched by this incredible rescue and reunion, share this heartwarming story with your friends. You can also follow the feline family and Catsnip Etc on Facebook and Instagram @catsnipetc to stay updated on their journey.
