Can cats wiggle into curious and tight spots, like large crates on shelves and ever get stuck?

Milo ended up in a large carton of wrapping paper, with a 2” clearance to top of shelf. I discovered him only by the noise. I finally noticed the ears and eyes sticking up over carton lip. When I managed to slide the carton out and tilt it, M skated down the inclined plane. Was I necessary? (Other than to pick up all the torn paper).