Firefighters save scared kitten trapped in ATM — vets name cat ‘Cash’

Sometimes our pets get themselves stuck in some pretty unusual places, but one recent story is truly unbelievable: a kitten was trapped inside an ATM!

Thankfully, a crew of firefighters came to the rescue — and made an unforgettable “withdrawal” from the machine.

On July 7, firefighters from the Fort Smith Fire Department, in Arkansas, got a pretty unusual call: a kitten was trapped in an ATM at a local Regions Bank.

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Facebook/Fort Smith Fire Department

While firefighters are known for saving cats from trees — and even the occasional soda vending machine — an ATM was definitely a new one. No one was quite sure how the kitten even got inside an ATM.

“Probably trying to find shade is why, but I can’t tell you how,” Alexis Bloom, a cat and kennel tech at Fort Smith Animal Haven told 5 News.

Whether the kitten was just trying to get some shelter or was actually actually a “cat burglar” on a daring cash heist, he was definitely stuck.

Thankfully, the fire crew got to work freeing him, carefully taking apart the ATM to get the kitten free. The Fort Smith Fire Department shared photos of the unusual rescue on Facebook, reporting that the “rescue was successful.”

“We appreciate you all coming out to help save this sweet little kitten!” Regions Bank wrote in a reply.

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Facebook/Fort Smith Fire Department

The kitten was then handed over to animal control, and is now in the care of Fort Smith Animal Haven.

The tabby cat was fittingly named “Cash,” and his caretakers gave him a bath, food and water — though it took the kitten some time to warm up to them.

“He’s a little spicy just ’cause he’s scared, which is typical and it’s gonna happen,” vet tech Ashley Deane told 5 News. “Generally, after a couple of days with our handlers caring for them, they become less spicy and just a little bit mild so they can come a little bit more workable.”

Facebook/Fort Smith Fire Department

Over time Cash has adjusted to his new surroundings, and Alexis called him a “big purr box” and “the sweetest little baby.” The vets are now working to get his weight up, and will then get him vaccinated and put him up for adoption.

For everyone involved, it’s been a truly one-of-a-kind experience.

“This is actually my first experience with a cat getting stuck in an ATM,” Ashley Deane said. “You know, I never thought that somebody would be able to go up and make a withdrawal and get a cat out instead of some cash, so now we have both.”

“Cash” is definitely one of the most surprising, and precious, things we’ve ever seen come out of an ATM!

Thank you to everyone who has helped this kitten — we hope he finds a great home soon!

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