Illinois Firefighters Rescue Tiny Kitten Stuck in Tire Using Dish Soap

GLENVIEW, Ill. — Firefighters in Glenview were called to a unique rescue this week after a tiny kitten became stuck in a car tire, leading to a careful 20-minute effort that has since gone viral.

Kitten Trapped in Tire

On September 23, two men arrived at Station 8 of the Glenview Fire Department carrying a tire — with a kitten’s head lodged inside. According to officials, a stray cat had recently given birth to five kittens in the men’s garage, and one of the kittens had become trapped in the wheel.

Lieutenant Render, along with firefighters Keogh and Chapman, immediately began working on the unusual situation.

Dish Soap Rescue

Using a mix of Dawn dish soap and water, the crew carefully freed the kitten after about 20 minutes of effort. Photos shared by the department on Facebook show firefighters gently holding the frightened but unharmed kitten after the rescue.

Reunited With Mother

The kitten was later reunited with its mother and siblings. Karol Bakowski, one of the men who brought the kitten to the fire station, confirmed in a comment that the mother cat returned for her kittens the next day and moved them to a safer location.

“I can say, yes, he [the kitten] is all good and returned to his mom,” Bakowski wrote, adding that the kittens were fed formula and soft food in the meantime.

Community Reaction

The Glenview Fire Department’s post quickly drew attention online, with many praising the firefighters’ patience and compassion. The rescued kitten, nicknamed “Yoda” for its appearance when wet, has since become a local favorite.

Have you ever had to call for help in an unusual animal rescue? Share your stories in the comments on SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.