Engine Kitten Finds Home
Gastonia Nissan workers rescue abandoned kitten from engine, leading to adoption.
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Mechanics at Gastonia Nissan in North Carolina got an unexpected coworker on June 18, 2026 — a four-week-old kitten trapped inside a vehicle's engine compartment. Employee Kiplin Charles spotted the tiny animal during routine lot checks and called in backup, telling WBTV News: "I thought to myself, 'Oh my god, I think there's a kitten trapped in the engine.'"
Technicians used hydraulic jacks to lift the vehicle and pull the kitten free after several tense minutes. By that evening, the one-pound cat had a name — Turbo — and a new home.
Dog Person Meets Kitten, Instantly Changes Mind
Joseph Mendoza, a service bay worker at the dealership, was not looking for a cat. He describes himself as a "dog person." But when he saw Turbo sitting in a cardboard box, something changed fast. "It was definitely a surprise to me," Mendoza told WBTV News. "[He's] very cute and I figured I'd give him the love that he needs." He adopted Turbo on the spot.
That same evening, Mendoza brought Turbo to Total Bond Veterinary Hospital for a wellness check. Veterinarian Dr. Sara Tona confirmed the kitten was healthy. He had some fleas but was "overall a healthy kitten," she said, according to WBTV News. He weighed exactly one pound.
Why Kittens Hide in Car Engines During Summer
The rescue happened during what animal experts call "Kitten Season" — a period running from April through early autumn when stray kittens are most at risk. Dr. Tona explained that kittens often crawl into engine compartments to hide from predators or people. Warm engines also offer shade and a tight, enclosed space that feels safe to small animals.
Automotive experts warn that kittens inside engines can chew through wiring or damage fan belts, causing serious mechanical failure. Groups like the SPCA of Wake County regularly remind drivers to tap the hood of their car before starting the engine, even in warm weather, according to KPLC TV.
Turbo's Adoption Eases Pressure on Overcrowded Shelter
Mendoza's quick decision to adopt Turbo kept the kitten out of the local shelter system entirely. That matters right now. Gaston County Animal Care and Enforcement is over capacity and closed for new intakes, according to WCNC Charlotte. The facility houses 133 dogs in a space built for 60. It also has 697 pending owner-surrender appointments waiting for space to open.
In 2023, Gaston County shelters took in 1,375 cats. North Carolina's statewide animal save rate sits at 71%, well below the national average of 79%, according to Fox 10 TV. Advocates say stories like Turbo's highlight the real scale of animal overpopulation — not just a feel-good moment.
Gastonia Nissan Crew Earns Community Praise Online
Video of the rescue spread quickly online, with viewers praising the "rough mechanics" for their "mushy" reaction to a tiny stray. The story went viral across local TV stations from Louisiana to Alaska, picked up by more than a dozen NBC and CBS affiliates, according to WLBT.
For Gastonia Nissan, the moment became an unlikely public relations win. The dealership paused normal operations to free a one-pound kitten — and one of its own workers walked away a cat owner for the first time. Turbo, named for where he was found, now lives with a self-described dog person who couldn't say no.
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