How a Loud Meow Led Firefighters to Kitty Hidden Under a Car in New Mexico

A cat in Santa Teresa, New Mexico, ended up in a place her owner could hear but could not easily see: underneath a car. The search turned into a small rescue operation, with county animal control and firefighters teaming up to get Kitty out safely.

Doña Ana Fire Rescue said crews were called to a home off N Country Club Road just after 5:30 p.m. Wednesday after a cat named Kitty wandered into the undercarriage of her owner's car.

According to officials, Kitty's owner had already tried to locate her but had trouble spotting the cat because of her dark-colored fur. The owner reported that Kitty was stuck and "meowing loudly," which made it clear where the problem was even if she was hard to see.

The owner contacted Doña Ana County Animal Control for help. Animal control then asked Doña Ana Fire to assist with the rescue.

Firefighters from Station 55 worked alongside County Animal Control personnel to find Kitty and remove her from beneath the vehicle. The rescue ended without injuries, and Doña Ana Fire said Kitty was safely reunited with her owner.

The episode was a reminder of how quickly a curious cat can slip into a tight, hidden space, and how a simple clue, in this case a loud meow, can help rescuers pinpoint where a pet is trapped.

Why cats hide in and around cars

Cats often look for small, covered spaces when they are frightened, cold, injured, or simply trying to nap undisturbed. A parked vehicle can offer shade, warmth, and concealment, especially around wheel wells, undercarriages, and the engine area. Kittens are especially likely to squeeze into gaps that look far too small.

A loud, repeated meow can be a sign that a cat is trapped, separated from a littermate, or calling for help after becoming stuck. Not every hidden cat will vocalize, though. Some stay completely silent when stressed, so a quick visual check matters.

What to do if you suspect a cat is under a car

Do not start the vehicle. First, look underneath from a safe distance and listen carefully. Check around the tires, behind the wheels, and near the front of the car. If the cat is not visible, gently tap the hood, knock on a door panel, and speak in a calm voice. Some people also leave a small amount of strong smelling food nearby to lure the cat out.

If the cat remains hidden, avoid reaching blindly into tight mechanical spaces. Use a flashlight, keep children and other pets back, and call for trained help if needed. A frightened cat may scratch or bolt into traffic the moment it feels exposed.

Simple ways to prevent harm

Before driving off, especially after the car has been parked overnight, do a quick walk around. A brief look under the vehicle and around the wheels can prevent injury. In cooler weather, or anywhere community cats are common, an extra moment of checking is worthwhile.

If a cat visits your area often, offering a safer shelter away from vehicles can reduce the chance it chooses a dangerous hiding spot. For owned cats, collars with identification and microchips make reunions much easier if they slip out and hide nearby.