Beware of cats in car engines during cold weather!

In the cold winter months, cats may hide in car engines to find a warm shelter. This can pose serious dangers for cats, and vehicle owners also need to be cautious.

Veterinary Physician Dr. Burcu Çevreli from Üsküdar University Faculty of Medicine stated that cats prefer to enter the engine and hood areas of vehicles to protect themselves from harsh weather conditions. She emphasized that "Develop the habit of quickly checking for unwanted passengers before starting your vehicle. A quick knock on the hood or honking the horn may be enough to scare off our little friend. Do not start your engine before checking!"

Üsküdar University Faculty of Medicine Department of Physiology Faculty Member Dr. Burcu Çevreli explained what should be done in case cats hide in car engines during cold weather.

Car engines and hoods become shelters for cats in cold weather!

Veterinary Physician Burcu Çevreli explained that cats seek warm shelters during cold months, and sitting between the engine and hood of vehicles provides them with a safe break from harsh weather conditions. She also noted that mother cats hide their newborn kittens in these areas.

Knock on the hood before starting the car!

Dr. Burcu Çevreli stated that there are several simple but effective measures that car owners can take to protect cats and made the following remarks: "The most important of these is knocking on the hood. If you cannot park your car in a closed garage, make it a habit to quickly check for unwanted passengers before starting your car. Knocking on the hood or honking the horn may be enough to scare off the little one. Never start the engine before checking!"

Dr. Burcu Çevreli emphasized that it should also become a habit to check the car’s engine, undercarriage, and tires. Çevreli also added that "Make sure to give them a little time to exit, as cats might be in a deep sleep. These actions can literally save lives.”

How to remove a cat stuck in the car engine?

When a cat is found inside the engine, Dr. Burcu Çevreli explained that careful and patient actions are needed. She listed the recommended steps as follows:

• Find the Cat: Use a flashlight to inspect the engine area and locate the cat.
• Turn Off the Car: Make sure the car is turned off and the handbrake is engaged.
• Approach Gently: Move slowly and calmly to avoid frightening the cat.
• Use Protective Equipment: Wear protective gear like gloves before removing the cat.
• Clear an Escape Route: Remove any obstacles around the engine to allow the cat to exit on its own.
• Seek Professional Help: If necessary, contact animal rescue teams for assistance.

Check for Injuries!

Dr. Burcu Çevreli also stressed that it is important to check for any injuries on the cat and stated that "Once the cat is successfully removed, check for visible injuries or signs of distress. As long as you have not started the engine, it is unlikely that the cat has sustained any injuries from the engine itself. However, if the engine was started while the cat was inside, even if the cat seems uninjured, it is a good idea to take it to a vet for a thorough examination."

If the rescued cat is stray, Dr. Burcu Çevreli recommended contacting local animal shelters or rescue organizations to help find it a home. Additionally, if the cat has a collar or microchip, she suggested trying to contact its owner.

What happens if vehicle owners drive off without noticing?

Dr. Burcu Çevreli explained that when the engine is started or when vehicle owners drive off, cats may face serious risks. Dr. Çevreli stated that "Hyperthermia can occur. The internal temperature of a car hood can easily reach 115 degrees, leading to heat shock. Cats may also suffocate from the smoke. The internal components of the car can heat up very quickly, causing severe burns that could be fatal. Cats under the hood may suffer limb loss or die from tearing injuries.”

What to do if a cat is injured after being rescued from the engine?

Dr. Burcu Çevreli outlined the steps to take if a cat is injured after being rescued from the engine:

• Place the cat in a box where it cannot escape.
• Observe its breathing and general condition.
• Take the cat to a veterinarian without delay.

We can save cats’ lives with small precautions!

Dr. Burcu Çevreli encouraged vehicle owners to act more consciously and stated that "This winter, we can save cats' lives by taking small precautions. When the weather is terrible, a warm place to curl up and sleep is a perfect solution. For an outdoor cat, this warm spot might just be the engine of your car."

 

Üsküdar News Agency (ÜNA)