Pablo the cat’s story is nothing short of miraculous. Imagine going about your day, searching frantically for a missing pet, only to hear the washing machine finish and discover your furry friend soaking wet, inside the drum, after a full wash cycle. That’s exactly what happened when Pablo, a curious Burmese cat, accidentally endured an entire 55-minute washing machine cycle, complete with thousands of spins—and lived to tell the tale.
How Pablo survived a full washing machine cycle
Pablo’s family had been looking for him everywhere. Every nook and cranny of the house was searched endlessly. Then a strange metallic noise came from the laundry room—the washing machine had just finished its programmed cycle. To everyone’s shock, Pablo was found trembling and soaked inside it. He had sneaked into the washing machine while it was open and off, likely searching for a cozy, quiet place to nap among the clothes.
But soon after, unaware of his presence, a family member turned the machine on. Pablo faced 55 minutes in cold water and more than 3,000 drum rotations, a nightmare most cats would never survive. The Australian Small Animal Specialist Hospital (SASH) in North Ryde, where he was rushed, called his case one of the most severe they had seen in a long time.
“Hearing that he made it through that ordeal is truly remarkable,” said Dr. Ella Yarsley from SASH. “Not many cats survive an entire washing machine cycle.”
Intensive care: fighting brain injury and lung trauma
When Pablo arrived at the emergency hospital, his condition was critical. He suffered a brain injury and serious lung issues caused by the cold water and mechanical forces from the washing cycle. For an entire week, he was under constant, around-the-clock care.
The veterinary team used specialized medications and continuous monitoring to support him through the trauma. Day by day, Pablo’s strength began to grow. He started responding to gentle petting and made small movements, signaling his fight for survival.
After seven days in intensive care, Pablo was discharged, almost fully recovered. He did have minor injuries—a small wound on one hind leg and a scuffed tail—but he was alive and alert, his fur shiny once more. “His survival is nothing less than a miracle,” the vets stressed.
Lessons for pet owners to keep animals safe at home
Now healthy and happy, Pablo’s story serves as a powerful reminder to all pet owners. Curious pets—especially cats—love squeezing into tight spots like washing machines, dryers, or refrigerators without us noticing. These appliances can quickly turn into deadly traps.
It’s essential to always check inside these machines before starting them. A moment of inattentiveness can endanger your beloved pet’s life.
I recall a close call in my own home when my cat jumped into the dryer for a cozy nap. Luckily, I noticed just in time, and the scare has stayed with me ever since. Pets’ curious nature is adorable but also risky—stories like Pablo’s teach us to stay vigilant and proactive.
Have you ever had a near-accident with your pet and household appliances? How do you keep your furry family members safe from hidden dangers around the house? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below! And if Pablo’s incredible survival touched you, please share this story with other pet lovers.
Discover more about Pablo’s journey directly from the source at the Small Animal Specialist Hospital website: https://www.sashvets.com.au/news/pablo-cat-washing-machine-incident