This cat lived through a 3,000 rpm wash—and he’s still purring

A Burmese cat named Pablo survived a full washing machine cycle, including a 3,000 RPM spin. His story is one of shock, recovery, and a warning for pet owners.

The story of Pablo, a lively and endlessly curious Burmese cat, borders on the miraculous. Somehow, this fluffy little daredevil managed to survive an entire washing machine cycle—including a 3,000 RPM spin—after sneaking into the drum unnoticed by his human. It’s the kind of tale that sounds like urban legend, until you realize it really happened.

A split second of distraction with nearly fatal consequences

It all unfolded in Robina, a suburb of Gold Coast, Australia. Like many cats, Pablo had a fondness for curling up in odd places. Laundry piles? A five-star hotel. Washing machines? Apparently, also fair game.

While his owner was preparing a load of laundry, Pablo silently slipped into the machine, nestled among the clothes. Oblivious, she started a cold wash cycle that lasted 55 minutes. At the time, she had no idea he was inside. Only when she couldn’t find him later did she begin to worry. The search ended in horror—and disbelief—when she realized what had happened.

Emergency care and a long road to recovery

Miraculously, Pablo was still alive when the cycle ended, though in critical condition. He was immediately rushed to the Small Animal Specialist Hospital, the only clinic in the area equipped with an emergency and intensive care team for pets. The staff moved fast.

Pablo stayed in intensive care for seven days, monitored around the clock. He had sustained injuries to his leg and tail, and his body was clearly traumatized. Yet somehow, he kept fighting. Against the odds, he pulled through—and while he’s not completely out of the woods yet, he’s recovering well and continues to undergo regular veterinary checkups.

Cats and washing machines: a dangerous attraction

What happened to Pablo may sound extraordinary, but vets say it’s more common than you’d think. The soft interior of a washing machine drum, especially one filled with clothes, can seem like the perfect hideout to a cat seeking comfort, solitude, or even safety from loud noises or unfamiliar people.

“Cats often choose these kinds of spaces when they’re scared or anxious,” one veterinarian explained. “It feels enclosed, quiet, and hidden—exactly what they’re looking for.”

That’s exactly why checking the drum before every wash should become a non-negotiable habit for pet owners. Even the most attentive among us can slip up. Pablo’s story is a vivid—and sobering—reminder of just how quickly curiosity can turn into catastrophe.

And yet, it’s also a story of resilience. A cat who went through a trauma no creature should endure, and came out the other side, a little bruised but still purring.