Among the scrap metal, massive inventory and industrial garbage bins in a huge factory was someone tiny and fluffy who definitely did not belong there.
And, thankfully, one factory employee managed to spot her wide-eyed little face.
Anyone would be right to do a double take seeing just the head of a scrappy gray kitten bizarrely sticking out of the side of a big trash bin.
As one person, who observed the odd optics of the photograph on Facebook, rightly observed: “It looks like a sticker!”
As another photograph showed, there was indeed a whole real cat attached to that fuzzy little face — and she needed help out of the very tight spot she’d gotten herself into.
Rescuing this misfitting fur-ball proved to be far from a simple task.
“After calling around to a few agencies for help, the incident was reported to RSPCA Victoria, and Inspector Maree immediately set off on the rescue mission,” RSPCA Victoria wrote on Facebook. “Once it was established that no amount of lubrication would free the kitten’s head, Maree knew she needed some extra help.”
That’s how the fire department got involved. Firefighters from the Country Fire Authority arrived with a much-needed tool: “After a long hour of careful maneuvering with a small angle grinder, the pipe was finally cut away.”
The little cat, whom rescuers named Piper, was clearly shaken but relieved.
“Cold and weak, the kitten was clearly regretting its misadventures, but seemed to know she was in good hands,” the RSPCA wrote.
Piper got the cleanup she desperately needed and then was wrapped in some comforting towels.
“The little fighter has since proved herself to be a sweet affectionate kitten,” the RSPCA wrote. “After some vet care and TLC at our clinic, she’s ready for some less perilous adventures in a foster home while she gains weight.”
Because it’s kitten season, precious Piper is just one of hundreds of cats currently looking for homes through the RSPCA Victoria (and countless more worldwide).
“Cats typically breed during the warmer months. After a very hot, dry summer the kitten season is lasting a lot longer than usual,” RSPCA Victoria said in a press release provided to The Dodo. “It’s created a real cat problem for us.”
