A lucky cat named Giggles likely used one its nine lives and got the ride of its life before Contra Costa County firefighters performed a unique animal rescue last week. Related Articles New law will tighten loophole that allowed sale of puppy mill dogs in California pet stores

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Giggles’ owner drove from Dublin to Walnut Creek before she saw the cat’s tail hanging from the front right wheel well. The cat was tucked into the engine compartment and rode all the way from Dublin to Walnut Creek at freeway speeds.

“The owner feared the worst at first, but saw the tail move, and called us,” said Contra Costa County Fire Marshal Robert Marshall.

The owner wasn’t sure why the cat stowed away. She told firefighters that “Giggles never did that before.”

An animal behavior expert said the cat was likely looking for a warm place to squeeze into during the first morning of winter.

Firefighters disassembled the car owner’s lower wheel well to free the cat, who was unharmed during its unintended road trip.

Contra Costa firefighters respond to a lot of different kinds of animal rescues, Marshall said, but nothing quite like this.

“Our oath to protect all life and property is something we don’t take lightly,” Marshall said. “Pets are an important part of our lives, and we are happy to reunite pets with their owners.”