During cold winter months, cats can hide in car engines to find a warm shelter. This situation can pose serious dangers for cats, and car owners also need to be careful.
Veterinarian Dr. Lecturer Burcu Çevreli, stating that cats prefer to enter the engine and hood area of vehicles to protect themselves from harsh weather conditions, said, “Make it a habit to quickly check for unwanted passengers before starting your vehicle. Tapping on the hood or honking the horn may be enough to scare our little friend away. Do not start your engine before checking!”
Dr. Lecturer Burcu Çevreli from Üsküdar University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Physiology, explained what should be done due to cats hiding in car engines in cold weather.
The space between car engines and hoods becomes a shelter for cats in the cold!
Veterinarian Burcu Çevreli stated that cats look for warm shelters in cold months, and sitting between the engine and hood of cars provides them a safe break from harsh weather conditions, even mentioning that mother cats hide their newborn kittens there.
Tap the hood quickly before starting!
Dr. Lecturer Burcu Çevreli, stating that there are several simple but effective precautions car owners can take to protect cats, said, “Foremost among these is ‘Tapping the Hood’. If you cannot park your vehicle in an enclosed garage, make it a habit to quickly check for unwanted passengers before starting. Tapping on the hood or honking the horn may be enough to scare our little friend away. Do not start your engine before checking!”
Dr. Lecturer Burcu Çevreli, emphasizing that checking the car’s engine, underside, and tires should also become a habit, said, “Make sure to give them some time to get out in case the cats are in a deep sleep. These tricks can literally save lives.”
How to remove a cat stuck in a car engine?
Dr. Lecturer Burcu Çevreli, explaining that one should act carefully and patiently when a cat is found inside the engine, listed the recommended steps to remove the cat as follows:
“-Locate the Cat: Examine the engine area with a flashlight to determine the cat's location.
-Turn Off the Vehicle: Ensure the vehicle is off and the parking brake is engaged.
-Approach Gently: Move slowly and calmly so as not to startle the cat.
-Use Protective Equipment: Wear protective equipment, such as gloves, before removing the cat.
-Provide an Escape Route: Remove surrounding obstacles for the cat to leave the engine on its own.
-Expert Assistance: Seek help from animal rescue teams if necessary.”
Check for injuries!
Dr. Lecturer Burcu Çevreli also noted that the cat should be checked for injuries, stating, “After the cat is successfully removed, check for any visible injuries or signs of distress. As long as you did not start the engine, it is unlikely the cat sustained any injuries from the engine itself. However, if it was in the engine when it was started, even if the cat appears unharmed, consider taking it to a veterinarian for a thorough examination.”
Dr. Lecturer Burcu Çevreli, pointing out that if the rescued cat is stray, local animal shelters or rescue organizations should be contacted to help find a home for the cat, also suggested contacting the owner if the cat has a collar or microchip.
What happens if car owners drive off without noticing?
Dr. Lecturer Burcu Çevreli stated that cats could face serious risks when the car engine is started or when car owners drive off, saying, “Hyperthermia can occur. The internal temperature of a car's hood can easily reach 115 degrees, which can rapidly lead to heat stroke. Suffocation from smoke can occur. A car's internal components can also heat up incredibly quickly, leading to burns serious enough to be fatal. Cats trapped under the hood can easily die from limb loss or tearing injuries.”
What should be done if a cat rescued from a car engine is injured?
Dr. Lecturer Burcu Çevreli also listed what should be done after the cat is removed from the engine area:
“-Place the cat in a box from which it cannot escape.
-Observe its breathing and general condition.
-Take it to a veterinarian without delay.”
We can save cats' lives with small precautions!
Dr. Lecturer Burcu Çevreli invited car owners to act more consciously, concluding her words by saying, "This winter, we can save the lives of cats by taking small precautions for them. When the weather turns terrible, a nice and warm place where you can curl up and sleep is a perfect solution. For a cat outdoors, this warm spot might just be your car's engine.”