Neighbors on Thomas Street in the Richmond section heard the cat purring and tried their best to rescue it.
"I'm like what's happening- what's the matter? And they're like there's a kitten in there. I was like no!" Lucille from Staten Island said.
"He was scared, and he was nervous, but he was OK," Lucille said.
Lucille and Karen spent four hours in the baking sun with their neighbors trying to rescue the frightened stray, calling every city agency they could think of.
"I told them if I have to stick my leg in the sewer and break it for someone to come here that's what I'm gonna do. He said well I don't suggest that and I said you don't but if that's what it takes that's what's going to happen because I'm not giving up on this cat." Karen said.
They tried a hose, a fishing net and then they dialed the Eyewitness News Assignment Desk for help.
NewsCopter 7 was over the scene as residents tried to lower a shopping bag into the sewer.
Shortly after NewsCopter7 arrived, and a call from the Eyewitness News team, NYPD Special Ops ESU officers responded, removed the storm drain cover and helped rescue the kitten.
The NYPD posted a photo of the officers who helped rescue the cat.
"I was born and raised on Staten Island and being able to help out the neighbors and the island is a nice feeling, ESU Officer Steven Muirhead said.
The cat appeared to be in good condition as first responders wrapped the kitten in a blanket or towel to dry up.
His new adoptive parents named him Thomas after the street he was found on.
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