By Sara Beth Williams–
An orange, feral kitten trapped for several days beneath two massive shipping containers behind Walmart in Citrus Heights is finally safe thanks to the persistence of local feline rescuers, Walmart employees, and Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District personnel.
According to two rescuers on scene who posted photos and videos of the ordeal on social media, the kitten had been stuck for an estimated three to five days under the heavy steel containers used for storage, some containing renovation materials. Crossbeams underneath the units made it impossible for anyone to slide in food or water. The caretaker of the cat colony, realizing the cat couldn’t move its head, repeatedly contacted Animal Services for help. Rescuers allege more than 20 reports were made to 311.
The Sentinel was not able to independently verify the number of calls made to Animal Services before press time.
Early Tuesday morning, another rescuer persevered in coordinating a response by contacting multiple Walmart departments, corporate contacts, and on-site managers until she reached staff willing to help.
Working together, multiple Walmart employees emptied the first container and used a forklift to carefully lift one end. The kitten, starving after days without food, bolted toward a plate of food rescuers had previously been unable to push close enough.
According to the rescuers’ account, after eating, the kitten ran beneath a second 30-foot container and became trapped again. Shipping container operators initially declined to open one of the units reserved for the renovation team, but momentum shifted after the Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District agreed to come to aid in the rescue. Records show fire crews responded just after 8:30 a.m., two hours after the ordeal began.
Rescuers said once Walmart was informed that fire crews were en route, that “sparked” motivation to help the cat, and several managers agreed to assist.
After carefully lifting the second container, rescuers stood by with nets, traps, and carriers in hopes of catching him safely. The kitten darted free again, disappearing under yet another container that had enough space underneath for him to move, eat, and breathe.
Given the extreme weight of the containers and the precarious lifting process, rescuers did not attempt an immediate physical capture, saying the kitten needed time to “decompress.” Food and water were left at the site to help him recover from the ordeal, and trapping efforts will continue in the coming days.
Once trapped, the kitten will be taken in by one of the rescuers, where he will be socialized and placed in a permanent home rather than returned to the colony. Rescuers said they wanted to give him a second chance at life.
Rescuers expressed deep gratitude to the Walmart employees who stepped up to help, as well as to Metro Fire for responding quickly. They also voiced frustration that Animal Services officers never arrived.
“Every person came together to save one cat, because every life has a soul. Teamwork is dreamwork,” one rescuer wrote on social media, adding that she appreciated every person who offered their assistance.
