Cats, cars and cold weather safety

As the cold weather sets in, outdoor cats look for a warm place to shelter out of the blistering winds, rain, ice and snow. One of the most irresistible yet dangerous places for cats to find warmth is under the hood of a car or truck. When you park your vehicle and head inside, a neighborhood cat can take shelter under the hood, seeking the heat from the warm engine. 

The danger happens when the vehicle is started. A stray or outdoor cat can be severely injured or worse. Luckily, you can take a few easy and important steps to alert a hidden cat before you start your vehicle:

• First, always check to make sure that your cat is inside your home.
  
• Do a quick scan under your vehicle for cats that might be hiding.
  
• Knock or lightly thump the hood of your car or truck, making plenty of noise to wake up a sleeping neighborhood or feral cat.
  
• Honk your horn.
  
• Listen for any sounds of movement. 
  
• Wait a few moments to be sure that any sleeping cats have had time to run away. Cats can tuck themselves into the tightest of spaces and may need a bit of time to get out of their warm hiding place.
  
   

Taking just a few moments before you start up your vehicle can save a cat’s life!

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