A hapless kitten stuck inside a car engine was rescued in Thailand.

The feline jumped inside the driver's vehicle when she parked by a market to shop in Chonburi province on December 29.

Driver Ananta Sorn-Oun, 45, noticed a stray dog barking at her car when she reached home. Upon checking, she heard a little moggy crying from the hood so she called for help.

Footage shows volunteers examining the sedan to lure the scared cat out. The rescuers used a stick to poke inside the holes and force the creature out.

Ananta said: ‘I was relieved the cat was not hurt. It might have entered my car when I was still in the market.'

After 20 minutes, the kitten was freed and given some water to drink. It would be put up for adoption at an animal shelter.