Tiny Kittens Are Being Found Under Cars Across El Paso

Every El Paso driver is about one tiny “meow” away from having their entire morning changed!

Over the past week, social media across the Borderland has filled up with videos and photos of kittens being rescued from inside vehicle engines and undercarriages. In two cases, firefighters stepped in to help pull the tiny kittens to safety. In another rescue, healthcare workers became unexpected animal heroes after finding kittens hiding inside a car.

The posts have been equal parts adorable and stressful- but they’re also turning into a big reminder for El Paso drivers during kitten season: check under your car before you drive away!

El Paso Is Officially in Kitten Season

Kitten season typically runs from spring through early fall, meaning this is the time of year when shelters and rescue groups see a huge increase in kittens being born.

In El Paso, where community cats and stray cats are common in neighborhoods, apartment complexes, parking lots, and alleys, parked cars can quickly become hiding spots for tiny kittens looking for warmth and shelter.

Warm engines are especially attractive early in the morning or overnight when temperatures drop. Unfortunately, many drivers have no idea a kitten could be tucked underneath the hood or near the tires!

Viral El Paso Kitten Rescues Are Becoming More Common

The recent rescue posts spreading around social media have definitely gotten people’s attention.

Some of the kittens were found crying from inside engine compartments. Others had to be carefully pulled from tight spaces underneath vehicles before drivers could safely leave.

For a lot of El Pasoans, the posts have become less of a “cute animal video” and more of a reminder to slow down and double check before starting the car.

Animal advocates often recommend:

• tapping the hood
• honking lightly
• checking around tires
• listening for meows before driving away

It only takes a few extra seconds, but it could save a tiny life.

El Paso Animal Services Has a Guide for Finding Kittens

El Paso Animal Services also has a full “Save the Kittens” guide to help residents know what to do if they find kittens outside.

According to the organization, many kittens that people find are not actually abandoned. Mother cats often leave temporarily to search for food before returning.

The guide explains when kittens should be left alone, when intervention may actually be necessary, and how residents can safely help during kitten season.

So if you hear a tiny squeak coming from your car this week, maybe don’t ignore it. Apparently, some very small El Paso hitchhikers are looking for a warm place to nap!