Family Discovers Their Missing Cat Stuck in Their Car’s Grill

On Wednesday, September 27, 2023, it was reported that Deputy Allen in Utah did a routine traffic stop with a woman, Hayes, and her son. During this traffic stop, the deputy heard the sounds of meowing coming from the engine! 

It was reported on the KSL News Radio 102.7 FM Instagram page. They posted the bodycam footage of the deputy once he heard this meowing and brought it to the attention of the driver! It was reported that the cat, “Gus, who had been missing for a few days, took a ride from Cedar City to the LaVerkin area, where the Deputy was able to rescue him.” 

We see the deputy reporting to his dispatch that he would be remaining on this traffic stop in order to assist this family with retrieving their cat safely from the engine. At one point, we hear the office comment that the little kitten is locking his arm up. He is most likely scared of someone trying to get him out that he does not know. 

Just a few seconds later, we see the kitten safely retrieved from the engine and reunited with his owner.  Hayes was so happy she said to Deputy Allen,  “You’re just a typical hero.”  Then after cuddling the cat for a little, Hayes comically said, “It’s usually the firefighters who catch the cats.” 

After the interaction was over and the kitten was safe with the family, Hayes told the news how her son felt about this whole situation. “My son was saying, of course, that it’s an answer to a prayer and that thank goodness we got pulled over,” Hayes said. “I mean he really did see Deputy Allen as the hero.”

What Happens if a Cat is in Your Engine?

It may seem like a very uncommon occurrence to hear of a cat stuck inside a car engine; however, it is not quite as uncommon as one might think. As we can imagine, animals like to find new places to hide. And more than likely, the number one reason is to find a warm place to curl up. And, after all, what place is warmer than a car engine?

If a cat is stuck in your engine, the most important thing to do is not to turn the car on! Of course, this can only happen if you know the cat is even in there. A cat can get seriously injured if it does not result in death, getting stuck in a moving engine. They could possibly even fall and get caught in the wheel. 

The next step would be to try and safely remove the cat. One of the best ways is to ensure the person the cat is closest to is present. More than likely, the cat will be more inclined to come out for them. However, each situation is unique, and sometimes cats get stuck and don’t aren’t always able to get out of free will. 

Word to the wise: if your cat is missing and you’ve searched all over, always try looking in your car engines to ensure they aren’t present! A great tip as well, if you can’t see anything, is to honk your horn to alert them and possibly help scare them out in order to protect them from potential harm.