Skip to main content

Watch a stray kitten get rescued after burrowing into a Tesla’s motor compartment

If we were playing a game of “Things The Internet Loves” bingo, we’d already be off to a good start, because the following story combines Tesla electric cars and cute kittens. In fact, it’d be an almost unfair head start.

On a recent Saturday, Texas resident and Model S owner John Griswell was walking to his car when he noticed something strange — a stray cat safely looking out from underneath.

Kitten in Tesla Model S
Image used with permission by copyright holder

“Thinking that I’d hit a dead cat and its paw was stuck up in there, I backed up the car to get a better look, and it was gone,” Griswell told Green Car Reports. “Later that night, we heard meowing from the garage.”

Recommended Videos

It turns out the gray tabby had taken residence in the vehicle’s motor compartment, and was now using Griswell’s Tesla as a luxurious, heated hotel.

“After searching around, I pointed a flashlight through the rear wheel and past the suspension and frame, and saw a pair of little eyes staring back at me,” he continued. “We put out food and left the garage door open, hoping it would leave overnight. But it only ate the food and climbed back in.”

Amazingly, the cat had enough room inside to move around safely, even the when the car moving. The feral feline liked the electric vehicle so much, it decided to set up shop permanently.

Kitten in Tesla Model S
Image used with permission by copyright holder

“On Sunday, we borrowed a live trap from a friend, put a can of tuna fish in it, and let the car sit all day,” Griswell explained. “This time, the kitten came out, took a dump in the garage, left the tuna alone, and climbed back into the Tesla.”

Eventually, Griswell gave in and took the car to the Tesla Service Center, where technicians unscrewed the motor cover shield to evict — er — liberate the cat. You can see the rescue in action in the video above.

According to a recent post on Griswell’s Facebook account, the cat has been cleared by the vet and given the name “Tessy.” She is being handed over to her new owner soon.

Kitten in Tesla Model S
Image used with permission by copyright holder
Andrew Hard
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Andrew first started writing in middle school and hasn't put the pen down since. Whether it's technology, music, sports, or…
How to watch Tesla’s Cybertruck delivery event today
Tesla's Cybertruck.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk behind the wheel of a Cybertruck. Tesla

It’s been a long time coming, but Tesla is about to deliver the Cybertruck to its first customers.

Read more
Watch how Tesla’s Cybertruck handles a compound bow’s arrow
watch how teslas cybertruck handles a compound bow arrow

Joe Tries to Shoot an Arrow Into the CyberTruck

Tesla chief Elon Musk appeared on The Joe Rogan Experience again on Tuesday.

Read more
Tesla’s Cybertruck finally gets a delivery date
Tesla's Cybertruck.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk behind the wheel of a Cybertruck in August. Tesla

Tesla has finally revealed the delivery date for the Cybertruck: November 30.

Read more