PORTAGE COUNTY, Ohio — A quick-thinking truck driver and a team of responders saved a curious kitten last month after the feline became trapped between the wheels of a semi-truck on the Ohio Turnpike.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol released video of the May 14 rescue on X (formerly Twitter), playfully calling the operation “Mission Im-paw-sible.” Authorities said the truck driver spotted the stranded kitten during a pre-trip inspection in Portage County before departing.
A Delicate Rescue Operation
The footage shows the tiny cat tightly lodged in the truck’s dual-wheel assembly, prompting responders to carefully plan their approach. At one point, a rescuer noted that the kitten was digging in with her claws, making the extraction challenging.
“If you lift it and it doesn’t work, will you be willing to loosen the wheel?” a team member can be heard asking in the video.
After dismantling part of the wheel, responders gently freed the frightened kitten and secured her in a carrier. One rescuer suggested the animal may have crawled beneath the truck seeking shelter or warmth.
Driver’s Vigilance Praised
“Thankfully, you found her before you drove off,” a voice remarks in the footage, while another commends the driver for his keen observation.
The kitten emerged unharmed and is now in safe custody, though the Highway Patrol has not provided updates on her adoption status.
A Critical Reminder for Drivers
The incident highlights the importance of thorough vehicle inspections, especially for large trucks, as small animals often seek refuge near warm engines or wheel wells—particularly in colder weather.
Authorities urge drivers to check under and around their vehicles before starting their trips to prevent similar close calls.
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