Shy kitten spends two days in engine

DESTIN, Fla., Oct. 7 (UPI) -- A Florida man said it took two days, and help from firefighters, restaurants and volunteers, to coax a 4-week old kitten out of his car's engine compartment.

Patrick Mills of Bluewater Bay said there was a note on his car when he emerged from a movie Saturday in Destin, Fla., informing him that a meowing sound was coming from his engine, The Destin Log reported Wednesday.

Mills said firefighters put the car up on blocks and removed wheels and other parts for about four hours Saturday, but they were unable to reach the kitten. Milk donated by a Starbucks coffee shop and tuna from a local Panera Bread restaurant failed to coax the kitty from its hiding space.

"Lots of people helped out," Mills said. "I was really surprised with all the random acts of kindness."

He said he tried to drive the car home at about 10:30 p.m. but became concerned for the kitten's safety and got a ride home instead.

The next day, Mills went to PetSmart to consult with cat experts and connected with Tami Baker, a volunteer with Feline Friends of Destin Inc. Baker was able to frighten the kitten from its hiding spot by rattling a metal coat hanger in the engine.

Baker, who took the young feline home, said the female kitten is skinny and suffering from a minor cold, but is otherwise healthy.