Pablo the cat's miraculous escape after hour-long washing machine ordeal
It is believed nine-month-old Pablo was taking a nap inside the washing machine at the Queensland home when his owner turned it on, unknowingly trapping the Burmese inside. After the soapy 55-minute cycle, which had no clothes inside, Pablo was found in critical condition and rushed to the emergency vet.
SASH (Small Animal Specialist Hospital) Gold Coast confirmed to Yahoo News the incident occurred last month, and Pablo has visited several times since to receive treatment.
"They say cats have nine lives, I think Pablo has more than nine lives given what he's gone through," a worker told 7News, with Ella Yarsley — who treated Pablo — explaining he suffered from a brain injury, lung injury, and lost several toes in the accident.
"Not many have seen cats go through a whole cycle and survive... it was pretty close to a miracle," she said. Pablo is now thankfully "almost back to full health".
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A similar incident occurred in 2019 when a US woman unknowingly turned on her washing machine while her cat Felix was inside. "I heard a little meow, and all of sudden I saw a little white foot go up in the air! I can't tell you what that was like," Stefani Carroll-Kirchoff told news station CNN.
The same year, a kitten was found inside a washing machine at the end of a 30-minute cycle in Launceton, Tasmania.
Washing machines are an attractive napping spot for cats as they are quiet, enclosed spaces. Front loaders pose a particular risk for cats who are seeking a hidden spot to rest, and cat owners are urged to always check inside their devices before turning it on.
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