It can be a scary situation. You get into your vehicle and you hear a faint sound. When you pop the hood, you’re able to see that a tiny kitten has crawled in. Year after year we see our share of cats who have been injured because they just wanted to keep warm. During the winter months, a kitten, who doesn’t have very much body fat, can get quite cold. When he feels the warmth coming from your engine, up he goes. It may seem like folklore, but there have been several instances of this happening. If you suspect a cat could get under your car, honk the horn or bang loudly on the hood before starting the engine. Ultimately, cats do seek shelter in and around vehicles and some are badly injured, burned, or killed when drivers fail to notice their presence. Always keeping your cats indoors is the best way to keep them safe from vehicle dangers.

Lisa Tustin, Veterinary Assistant