Mechanic investigating odd noise in squad car finds newborn animal, Florida cops say

A mechanic investigating strange sounds coming from a patrol car ended up finding an ornery kitten, according to the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office in Florida.

The discovery was made Friday, June, 2, when the car was taken to the maintenance department for closer inspection.

“Corporal Sly Harris ... was driving back from Orange County and kept hearing an odd noise coming from the engine compartment of his patrol unit,” the sheriff’s office said in a news release.

“Unable to identify the sound, Cpl. Harris took his unit to Fleet Maintenance where our mechanics found a kitten hiding near the front bumper.”

It’s estimated the male cat clung to the underside of the car for as many as 50 miles before reaching the maintenance shop in Melbourne, officials said.

How it climbed into the bumper is unknown — because it “refused to cooperate and actually hissed at the agents as they attempted various interview techniques.”

Sheriff’s office staff named the cat “Smuggles the Kitten” and it apparently made the trip without being injured.

“Thanks to our Fleet Maintenance Team and our Animal Services Team, ‘Smuggles’ is doing great,” the sheriff’s office said.

“‘Smuggles’ is on a (five-day) hold at the care center and once he is processed, is looking forward to living the remainder of his life, safe and sound with his new family in Brevard County!”

The department’s Facebook post has gotten hundreds of reactions and comments, including some who said they, too, found kittens in their engines.

Cats and kittens are known to hide in vehicles to escape harsh weather, and “mother cats will often stow their newborns in this location, as well,” according to pet insurance experts.

This story was originally published June 2, 2023 at 6:56 AM with the headline "Mechanic investigating odd noise in squad car finds newborn animal, Florida cops say."