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Cat Survives After Getting Trapped In Washing Machine

Cat Survives After Getting Trapped In Washing Machine

Oscar survived but the traumatic experience has left its mark

Dominic Smithers

Dominic Smithers

If there is a list of things you definitely don't want to put into a washing machine, a live animal would probably be at the top of that list.

But that's exactly what happened to a Burmese cat called Oscar when he narrowly escaped death after he got trapped inside one, and incredibly survived a 12-minute hot cycle.

Owner Amanda Meredith, from Queensland, Australia, said she heard a bizarre noise shortly after her husband, Angelo, put on a load of washing.

It was only on closer inspection that the couple realised what exactly had happened but were powerless to do anything until the cycle had finished.

Fortunately, little Oscar made it out in one piece and was actually 'very soft'.

Oscar survived the 12-minute hot cycle.
Amanda Meredith

Speaking to ABC News about the debacle, Ms Meredith said: "The poor little cat had his hands on the glass as he was doing the rotations and he was looking at me.

"It was tragic. Waiting the two minutes [for the washing machine's door to release] was traumatic to say the least."

But it was touch and go for a while, with Ms Meredith's vet, Dr Capps, warning that the first six hours were vital in whether or not he would survive.

Though Dr Capps told ABC that this wasn't the first time something like this has happened.

"He's a very lucky but strong little fellow," Dr Capps said.

"This is not the first time this has happened. During the cooler weather it is the perfect place for feline friends to try and hide for a warm nap."

Ms Meredith had to wait until the cycle was finished before she could get him out.
PA

Oscar has since recovered physically, though the traumatic incident has had a lasting impact on the little guy.

Ms Meredith added: "He sits there and watches it tumble-turn all the time.

"Maybe he has PTSD or something - he has to sit at the door watching the wash cycle."

Let's just hope he manages to make a full recovery, because as we learned recently, the bond between a pet and its owner is a strong one.

And someone who could understand Ms Meredith's relationship with Oscar better than most is Michael Collins, whose cat waves goodbye to him every morning before work.

The 33-year-old said it all started three years ago when he was leaving for work one morning and Sox, who had been watching him, began tapping on the window as though he was waving.

Of course, he couldn't leave his four-legged friend hanging, so Michael waved back, and the pair have been performing the ritual ever since.

Featured Image Credit: Amanda Meredith