Elmer the kitten, found in a bucket of glue, got lifesaving care and a home

Veterinarians had little time to question how the kitten who was rushed to their animal shelter had become covered in white glue. The adhesive had hardened around the cat’s eyes and mouth, restricting his ability to breathe, eat and drink. The kitten would have probably died without prompt treatment.

The medical team at the Humane Society of North Texas tried — and failed — to clean the cat with olive oil and dish soap. However, veterinarians were able to remove the glue while soaking the kitten in nearly two gallons of canola oil.

After hours of cleaning, the cat’s gray and white fur appeared. Shelter staff named the cat Elmer in honor of the glue brand.

The shelter shared Elmer’s story on social media in mid-April, prompting hundreds of people to express interest in adopting the cat, who, according to shelter staff, seemed to expect daily massages around his neck after his procedure. The Humane Society of North Texas even created an email address devoted to inquiries regarding Elmer, who’s about 2 months old.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/2026/05/03/elmer-cat-glue-rescue-adoption/