Story of Pablo, a 9-Month-Old Cat in Australia
Endured 55 Minutes in a Running Washing Machine with Cold Water and Detergent
Fully Recovered After a Week of Intensive Treatment
In Australia, a cat trapped inside a running washing machine miraculously survived after enduring 55 minutes of cold water and 3,000 spins.
On June 25 (local time), the American media outlet People introduced the story of an Australian cat named Pablo, which was shared by The Small Animal Specialist Hospital (SASH) on its social media on June 10. Pablo, a 9-month-old Burmese cat, lives with a family in Queensland, Australia. At the time of the incident, Pablo was napping inside the washing machine.
One of the family members, unaware that the cat was inside, accidentally started a regular wash cycle. Pablo had to withstand 3,000 spins and a dousing of cold water and detergent for 55 minutes. When the cycle finished and the washing machine door was opened, the owner found Pablo and immediately took him to SASH in Gold Coast, Queensland.
Pablo the cat miraculously survived after being inside the washing machine. Photo by SASH Facebook capture
According to SASH, Pablo was in critical condition upon arrival at the hospital. He had suffered severe damage to his brain and lungs. SASH veterinarian Ella Yasly explained, "It is extremely rare for a cat to survive an entire washing machine cycle," and described this case as an exceptionally rare survival. Pablo received 24-hour intensive care, medication, and monitoring for seven days, after which he made a full recovery. SASH described the outcome as "close to a miracle." However, Pablo was left with minor injuries on one paw and the tip of his tail.
SASH advised pet owners, "Cats have a strong tendency to hide in quiet, dark, and narrow spaces," and urged, "Always check inside washing machines, refrigerators, dryers, and other appliances before operating them to ensure your pet is not inside."
Similar incidents have occurred in the past. In 2022, in Tasmania, a one-year-old cat named Poppy was napping inside a washing machine when the owner, unaware of the cat's presence, started a 30-minute wash cycle. The owner heard the cat meowing during the cycle, pressed the stop button in shock, and Poppy was found to have water in her lungs and symptoms of hypothermia, but recovered after intensive treatment.
To prevent accidents involving pets entering washing machines, it is recommended to: always keep the washing machine and dryer doors closed when not in use; habitually check the inside before operating; place washing machines or dryers in rooms inaccessible to pets; and avoid placing food or toys on or around the washing machine.
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