Nobody Knew What Covered This Tiny Kitten Until Rescuers Started Cleaning Him
At first, rescuers could barely tell what was covering the tiny kitten's body. The 6-week-old cat was stiff, sticky, and almost completely coated in industrial-strength adhesive after somehow ending up trapped in a vat of glue.
But thanks to one good Samaritan and hours of careful rescue work, the tiny kitten now has a second chance and an unforgettable name: Elmer.
@cbcnews A passerby found this four-month-old kitten near an industrial area in Fort Worth, Texas in April. A vet with the local humane society told CBC Radio's As It Happens that Elmer is now happy and healthy. #cats#animalrescue#cbcradio
original sound - CBC News - CBC News
The heartbreaking rescue story was shared by CBS News and reported by ABC News after the kitten was brought to the Humane Society of North Texas, covered almost entirely in industrial glue.
Cassie Davidson, senior director of marketing, communications, and public relations for the Humane Society of North Texas, told ABC News that staff members immediately jumped into action the moment the kitten arrived.
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"We immediately sprang into action. We didn't even ask questions. We were just like, ‘Let's go!'" Davidson recalled.
According to the report, four staff members worked for 7 hours straight, massaging nearly 2 gallons of canola oil into the kitten's fur in an effort to safely break down the adhesive. During the rescue, they paused to feed the tiny kitten and eventually wrapped gauze around his body to help the oil continue soaking into the hardened glue.
Thankfully, much of the adhesive has now been removed.
The kitten was later named Elmer, which honestly feels like the only possible name after surviving something this bizarre.
People in the Comments Were Deeply Emotional Watching the Tiny Cat Slowly Recover:
• "Elmer has the resilience of a champ."
• "Great job on saving the little guy and giving him life."
• "Thank goodness he was rescued."
Honestly, it's hard to imagine how frightened and uncomfortable such a tiny kitten must have been during the ordeal. But it's equally hard not to feel emotional seeing how quickly complete strangers rallied around him to help.
And the patience involved in sitting for 7 hours carefully working glue out of kitten fur, honestly, says everything about the people involved in animal rescue.
What To Do if You Find a Kitten in Danger
If you find a kitten trapped, injured, or covered in a potentially dangerous substance, experts recommend contacting a veterinarian or local animal rescue organization as quickly as possible. Certain chemicals, adhesives, or oils can become dangerous if improperly removed at home.
Helpful First Steps May Include:
• Keeping the kitten warm and calm
• Avoiding harsh chemicals or solvents
• Using towels or blankets for gentle restraint
• Contacting emergency veterinary care immediately
• Monitoring breathing and responsiveness
• Providing small amounts of food or water if advised by professionals
Most importantly, acting quickly can make a huge difference, especially for very young kittens like Elmer.
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This story was originally published May 12, 2026 at 9:20 AM.