Meows from the ventilation: Kitten rescued after days hiding in Zagreb shopping center

A persistent meowing from a ventilation system in Zagreb's Arena Centar shopping mall led to a heartwarming rescue operation for a tiny kitten. While two of its siblings were quickly saved, the third proved to be an elusive escape artist, hiding for days before its eventual safe recovery.

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Everyone wanted to help the kitten, but the little one skillfully hid. We had to arm ourselves with patience.

The unusual rescue began last Wednesday when store employees heard the distressed cries. Upon investigation, three kittens, estimated to be around two months old, were discovered within the suspended ceiling. A shop assistant managed to rescue the first kitten immediately, and a second was found a few days later.

Despite continuous efforts, the third kitten remained hidden. The shopping center's maintenance team installed a trap with water, hoping the exhausted feline would eventually seek refuge. Staff at the Dumovec animal shelter, who were monitoring the situation, noted the kitten's cleverness in evading capture, requiring considerable patience from all involved.

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When the third kitten finally ended up in the trap this afternoon, we were all overjoyed. Many citizens who called us and sent us messages were also expecting the good news.

Finally, on Monday afternoon, the last kitten was safely secured in the trap, much to the delight of everyone involved, including concerned citizens who had been following the story. One of the rescued kittens has already found a loving home with the shop assistant who participated in the rescue. The remaining kittens are now at the Dumovec shelter, where efforts are underway to find them suitable adoptive families. Shelter staff are also inquiring about the mother cat, hoping to locate and care for her if she is found nearby.

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The naughty kitten is finally safe - with us at the Shelter.