Cat call leads to two-day rescue at Destin Commons (PHOTOS)

A four-week old female kitten was the focus of a two-day rescue effort after she got stuck in the engine block of a car in the Destin Commons parking lot on Saturday.

“We went to the movies, and when we came out, there was a note on the car saying your car is meowing,” said Patrick Mills, of Bluewater Bay

Mills called the fire department for help removing the kitten, and firemen spent four hours putting the car up on blocks and removing wheels and other car parts in an unsuccessful effort to get her out.

Mills said he and the firemen were not alone in their efforts. People walking past stopped to help, and one lady even brought some cat food. Some of the stores in Destin Commons chipped in as well, including Panera Bread, who brought some tuna, and Starbucks, who gave some milk.

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

But by 10:30 p.m., the kitten was still trapped, so Mills decided to drive home, put some cat food under the car and wait. However, as he backed out of the parking lot, his girlfriend noticed a tail sticking out of the wheel.

Mills attempted to retrieve the kitten again, but as soon as its tail was free, it ran to the other side of the car.

Now fearing that driving the car could harm the cat, Mills spent another hour trying to lure her out before calling his sister for a ride home.

After calling body shops and veterinarians to no avail, Mills got a ride back to Destin Commons on Sunday for another day of waiting. Finally, he went to PetSmart and found the kitten’s future savior.

Tami Baker, a volunteer with Feline Friends of Destin, Inc., was there working in the adoption center when Mills came looking for help. She first called 99 Rock to put out a call for anyone who might have expertise in retrieving cats from cars, but got no response.

“These poor firemen kept trying and trying and finally gave up,” Baker said. “I thought ‘if the fire brigade couldn’t do it, what am I going to do?’ ”

It turned out Baker was just the person the rescue mission needed. Shortly after she arrived on the scene, the kitten jumped out of the car when Baker rattled a bent metal coat hanger inside the engine block.

After a frustrating couple of days, Mills said he was happy the cat was safely rescued and very happy to get his car back.

According to Baker, who is fostering the kitten in her home, she is doing fine except for a minor cold and being too skinny. Appropriately, she decided to name the cat Lucky.

“The owners of the car were there for the whole thing,” Baker said. “Bless their hearts, they were so patient and understanding.”

“I love cats,” Mills said. “I just figured I would be persistent, and eventually it would come out.”

For information on adopting Lucky or other homeless cats from Feline Friends of Destin, Inc., or if you would like to volunteer or donate to Feline Friends, visit www.felinefriendsofdestin.com or call 850-654-9820.