Cat rescued from car engine recovering at Humane Society hospital

A cat in Tempe used up one of his nine lives after escaping from the engine of a Volkswagen beetle. Now he's recovering from a few burns and getting ready for a new name, and his new name.

"He's one lucky kitty, he's got a full throttle purr," said Ashliegh Goebel.

A Tempe driver got in his car and turned on the engine like normal; that's when he heard frantic meowing from inside the vehicle.

"They quickly turned it off, popped open the hood, and saw this furry face starting up at them," said Goebel.

A "Maine Coon" cat was trapped inside the car. "Vee-Dub" is what the rescued kitty is now called, was stuck in the engine right by the fan belt.

"It's actually the fan belt and the hot engine that caused the burn on his side," she said.

The driver called emergency animal techs from the Arizona Humane Society. They had to do some mechanical work, but they were finally able to free the cat. Now he's recovering at the Second Chance Hospital, and is expected to make a full recovery; he then will go up for adoption.

"He's about 2-years-old we think, and a Maine Coon, big beautiful eyes, giant paws, and I think he's going to be a great addition to someone's family," said Goebel.

It serves as a reminder if you park your car outside, tap your hood before you turn the key to scare away any felines that may have crept inside your engine to escape the chilly winter nights.

"They say cats have nine lives, and he's already used a few of them with this incident, that's for sure," she said.

The shelter says, "Vee-Dub" is very affectionate and likes to sit on laps. If anyone is interested in adopting him, they can call the Arizona Humane Society, and they will put your name under his file so you will be alerted when he's ready.