Beware of cats in vehicle engines during cold weather! Do not start the engine before checking!

A veterinarian, noting 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 can be enough to scare our little friend away. Do not start your engine before checking!"

An expert explained what needs to be done because cats hide in car engines during cold weather.

THE SPACE BETWEEN THE ENGINE AND HOOD OF VEHICLES BECOMES A SHELTER FOR CATS IN COLD WEATHER!

A veterinarian stated that cats look for warm places during cold months, that sitting between car engines and hoods provides them with a way to protect themselves from harsh weather conditions, and that some mother cats even hide their newborn kittens in these areas.

TAP THE HOOD QUICKLY BEFORE STARTING!

There are several simple but effective precautions vehicle owners can take to protect cats. The most important of these is "tapping the hood." If you cannot park your vehicle in a closed garage, make it a habit to quickly check for unwanted passengers before starting it. Tapping on the hood or honking the horn can be enough to scare our little friend away. Do not start your engine before checking!

Experts, pointing out that checking the engine, the underside of the vehicle, and the tires should also become a habit, state that one should ensure they give the cats some time to get out, in case they are in a deep sleep. These precautions can literally save lives.

HOW TO REMOVE A CAT STUCK IN A CAR ENGINE?

When a cat is found inside the engine, it is important to act carefully and patiently. The steps to follow to remove the cat are as follows:

“Find the cat: Locate the cat by examining the engine area with a flashlight.

Turn off the vehicle: Ensure the vehicle is turned 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 gear such as gloves before removing the cat.

Provide an escape route: Remove surrounding obstacles so the cat can leave the engine on its own.

Expert help: Get support from animal rescue teams if necessary.”

CHECK FOR INJURIES!

Dr. Burcu Çevreli, who also noted that the cat should be checked for injuries, stated, “After the cat is successfully removed, check for visible injuries or signs of distress. As long as you do not start the engine, it is unlikely that the cat has sustained any injuries from the engine itself. However, if it was in the engine when it was started, consider taking it to a veterinarian for a thorough examination, even if the cat appears unharmed.”

Experts, who point out that if the rescued cat is a stray, local animal shelters or rescue associations should be contacted to help find a home for the cat, also recommend contacting the owner if the cat has a collar or microchip.

WHAT HAPPENS IF VEHICLE OWNERS DRIVE OFF WITHOUT REALIZING?

Experts, pointing out that cats can face serious dangers when the vehicle engine is started or when vehicle owners hit the road, warned, "Hyperthermia can develop. The internal temperature of a car hood can quickly rise up to 115 degrees, which can lead to heat stroke. There may be a risk of suffocation from fumes. The internal components of the vehicle can also heat up rapidly, causing severe burns, which can be dangerous enough to be fatal. Death can occur in cats trapped under the hood due to limb loss or laceration injuries."

WHAT SHOULD BE DONE IF A CAT RESCUED FROM A CAR ENGINE IS INJURED?

The expert veterinarian listed what should be done after the cat is removed from the engine area as follows:

“-Place the cat in a box from which it cannot escape.

-Observe its breathing and general condition.

-Take it to a veterinarian without delay.”

Dr. Çevreli concluded her remarks by inviting vehicle owners to act more consciously, saying, "This winter, we can save the lives of cats by taking small precautions. When the weather turns terrible, a nice, warm place to curl up and sleep is the perfect solution. For a cat outside, this warm spot might just be your car's engine.”