A cat called Phoenix has risen from the flames after surviving a 20 minute spin – in a tumble dryer.

The plucky pet climbed into the machine, which was then filled with bedding that needed to be dried.

Phoenix’s owner’s mum Deryn De Temple was unaware the seven-month-old feline was inside the drum and put the Creda Simplicity washing machine on a hot spin.

Phoenix spent 20 minutes being tossed about at high temperature until Deryn opened the door – and the frazzled moggy tumbled |out.


Did this story make you chuckle? Here are some more recent quirkies to tickle your fancy:


The black cat was close to death when he was rushed to the vets but after just six days he was allowed home after making a “miraculous” recovery.

Tough Phoenix suffered mild burns to most of his body and had ten times the normal potassium levels caused by the extreme heat exposure during the spin cycle.

Owner Elfie De Temple, 17, of Arundel, said: “When he came out of the dryer he looked like he had inhaled nerve gas – he was convulsing and having spasms. I feel terrible.

“I think Phoenix has forgiven me, though – he gave me a cuddle last night.

“I'll never be able to forgive myself.”

Vet Annette Moyart said: “We were at the point of putting him to sleep when he came in. We had to pull out all the stops to save him.

“Cats like crawling inside dark places like piles of clothes, tumble dryers or even ovens, and if they are hiding they won’t purr when disturbed. It’s always best for cat owners to just give a quick check to make sure their pet isn’t inside any household appliance before turning them on.”