Last month, the Orphan Kitten Project, a rescue group run by veterinary students at UC Davis, got an unexpected call from a local car rental office. Staff there had been hearing soft footsteps and meows coming from above—and it wasn’t long before they realized the sound was coming from the ceiling.
They suspected a mother cat had tucked her litter away somewhere up there. Hoping she’d eventually bring them down on her own, they waited.
But as kittens do—they had other plans.
One of the ceiling kittens made a daring leap to the ground
One tiny orange tabby, full of bravery and curiosity, decided to take matters into his own paws. The little guy leaped from the ceiling, landing safely on the lobby floor below. Thankfully, staff were quick to scoop him up and contact the Orphan Kitten Project, who immediately brought the fearless kitten into foster care.
"A few days later, one of his brothers followed suit."
Not to be outdone, another kitten made his own leap down just a few days later, once again amazing the office workers and giving the rescue team another surprise visitor.
The adventurous, gravity-defying kittens ultimately led the rescuers right to their hideout.
Thanks to the daring duo, rescuers were able to spot the rest of the litter’s hideout—about 10 feet up, tucked behind a small ledge with a hole leading into the ceiling and plumbing area. They knew getting the rest of the kittens would require patience and clever thinking. So they set a food trap—because when you’re a kitten, the smell of a tasty meal is impossible to resist.
They located where the kittens were hiding and safely rescued them one by one
Using a tall ladder and careful strategy, the rescuers waited quietly until a kitten peeked out—and then gently pulled them to safety. "Never try to grab feral kittens with your bare hands," the Orphan Kitten Project reminded. "Whenever possible, use humane traps to prevent injury or stress." One by one, the kittens gave in to their appetites. Every time one was rescued, another would pop its head out, curious about what was going on. The team kept going until they were sure the ceiling was finally kitten-free.
The kittens were placed in foster care, where they could socialize and thrive
In total, seven kittens were rescued from the ceiling. Each was placed in a loving foster home where they could finally enjoy warmth, comfort, and human affection.But the work didn’t end there. The rescue team was able to safely catch the mother cat a week later. She was spayed and released back into her familiar community—helping to stop the cycle of endless litters and reduce the burden on shelters.
They turned into snuggly lap cats
Transitioning feral kittens into friendly house cats isn’t always easy. As the rescue explained, "Helping kittens feel safe and confident after living in a dark, quiet space with just their mom for weeks takes time." But with a little love and patience, they begin to trust.
Jiggy, the little daredevil who jumped ten feet from the ceiling, quickly came out of his shell.
The orange tabby who started it all was lovingly named Jiggy. After his daring jump, he quickly warmed up to his foster home, embracing life with enthusiasm and plenty of snuggles. Not long after, the second jumper—Pigeon—joined him, and the pair began to settle into indoor life together.
The rest of the kittens settled into comfortable home life, letting their personalities shine at their own pace.
Each kitten adapted in their own time, but with gentle introductions, cozy blankets, and lots of playtime, they all began to show their sweet personalities.“Our fosters were incredibly patient,” said the rescue. “When kittens are introduced slowly to a calm, loving home, they begin to realize humans aren’t so scary after all.”
All the kittens are thriving in their foster homes.
Thanks to full bellies and safe surroundings, the kittens are now growing up strong, playful, and full of energy. They’re enjoying their zoomies, cuddles, and curiosity-filled adventures—and before long, they’ll be ready to find their forever homes.
The little pitter-patter in the ceiling led to the rescue of seven kittens and a better life for their mom.
What started with faint sounds above the ceiling turned into a heartwarming rescue story. Seven kittens are now safe, happy, and thriving. And their mom has been spayed and returned to her community to live a healthier life.It’s all thanks to kind-hearted people, quick-thinking workers, and the amazing team at Orphan Kitten Project.
If you’d like to support their ongoing efforts to save vulnerable kittens, you can find them on Instagram @orphankittenproject or their Facebook page.
