DAVIS, CA — Last month, the Orphan Kitten Project (OKP), a student-run rescue at the University of California, Davis, received an unusual call: a litter of kittens was trapped inside the ceiling of a nearby car rental office.
Workers first noticed the kittens after hearing faint meows and the pitter-patter of tiny paws above them. Hoping the mother cat would retrieve her babies, they waited—but the kittens had other plans.
The Great Ceiling Escape
In true kitten fashion, the litter took matters into their own paws. The smallest of the group, a bold orange tabby, made a daring ten-foot leap to the lobby floor—unharmed but thoroughly surprising the rescuers. OKP volunteers quickly scooped him up and placed him in foster care.
Days later, another kitten followed suit, launching himself from the ceiling. Their antics helped rescuers pinpoint the hiding spot: a small ledge with a hole leading into the plumbing space.
Operation Kitten Extraction
Using food as bait, OKP volunteers lured the remaining kittens out one by one. A tall ladder and careful maneuvering were required to safely secure each one.
“Never attempt to grab feral kittens with your bare hands,” OKP advised. “Humane traps should be used whenever possible.”
By the end of the rescue, seven kittens had been recovered. But the mission wasn’t over—the team later trapped the feral mother cat, spayed her to prevent future litters, and returned her to her outdoor colony.
From Wild to Wonderful
The kittens, now in foster care, needed time to adjust to human interaction. “Getting kittens to feel safe after weeks in a dark, quiet space can be tricky,” OKP told Love Meow.
Jiggy, the fearless first jumper, adapted quickly. His brother Pigeon, the second escapee, wasn’t far behind. With patience and quiet environments, the rest of the litter gradually warmed up to their foster families.
A Happy Ending
Now thriving, the kittens spend their days eating, playing, and perfecting their “zoomies.” Some will soon be ready for adoption.
This rescue highlights the importance of Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programs, especially during kitten season. By humanely managing community cat populations, shelters and rescues can reduce overcrowding and give every kitten a chance at a loving home.
Thanks to quick thinking and teamwork, the “ceiling kittens” have traded their adventurous start for a future full of snuggles and security.
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