Got a call for a fridge that 'sounded like a cat' and it was actually a cat

Lady in my building said her fridge was making a weird noise for three days, like a high-pitched meow. I opened up the back panel expecting a bad fan motor, and a tiny grey kitten stared back at me from near the compressor. It must have crawled up through the vent in the basement. Got it out safe, but now I'm wondering how often pets cause weird noises we write off as bad parts. Has anyone else pulled an animal out of an appliance?

3 comments

3 Comments

henry_murray11d ago

That poor cat was probably trying to turn itself into a catsicle. Good thing you checked, or the next service call would have been for a fridge that smells like a tuna can exploded. I guess the lesson is to always assume the weird noise is a tiny tenant before you order a new motor. What did the lady say when you handed her a kitten instead of a bill?

emma_baker6111d ago

Wow, I always assumed weird noises were just old parts. That story makes me second guess every rattle now. Gotta check more carefully.

charles72010d ago

Did you hear about that dryer that kept thumping because a family of mice made a nest in the drum? It's wild how often small animals find their way in there. I read a whole forum thread from repair techs who found everything from snakes in pool pumps to birds in chimney fans. Makes you wonder how many "broken" things just have a stowaway. Glad that kitten got out okay, those compressors get really hot!