Firefighters stationed in the Lompoc Valley became one cat’s best friends after a rescue Tuesday morning.
Members of the Santa Barbara County Fire Department crew at Station 34 on Harris Grade Road were sent to help a driver with an unusual engine problem, fire Capt. Scott Safechuck said Wednesday.
Firefighters responded to a call about a gray cat trapped in a Honda vehicle’s engine compartment.
“After driving about 100 feet, the driver heard meowing and pulled over,” Safechuck said.
“They noticed the cat’s fur was caught around the axle,” he added.
As temperatures drop, cats sometimes climb into vehicle engine compartments to take advantage of the warmth.
“After a little work” the firefighters from Medic Engine 34 freed the cat safely with no injuries — to either the feline or firefighters, Safechuck said.
On cold mornings, authorities recommend drivers bang on the hood of the vehicle or honk the horn before starting the engine to nudge cats into leaving the dangerous engine compartment.
It’s not known if the cat, which appeared to be an adult, has an owner or is a feral feline.
As is typical for felines, the cat did not necessarily appear overly appreciative for the helping hand from humans.