Lort Smith Animal Hospital is urging drivers to protect our feline friends this winter by checking their cars before they start their engines.
During cold weather, kittens and stray cats frequently crawl into warm car engines or wheel wells seeking shelter.
With winter just two weeks in, Melbourne’s largest not-for-profit hospital is reporting multiple cases of cats and kittens presenting to the emergency department after being rescued from a car engine.
‘’Starting the engine while a cat is inside can cause fatal injuries,’’ says Dr Jessica Wilde, Chief Veterinary Officer at Lort Smith.
‘’Cats have a higher baseline body temperature than humans and look for residual heat from recently driven cars to stay warm and conserve energy. The engine bay provides a dark, enclosed space where they feel safe from predators or bad weather.
Kittens can easily squeeze into the undercarriage, wheel wells, and between the engine block and hood.’’
With homeless and stray cat populations experiencing an unprecedented surge across the country drivers are being asked to follow these three tips before starting their engines as temperatures plummet:
- Knock firmly on your hood
- Honk the horn
- Check around your tires
‘’If a cat is trapped in your car engine, do not start the vehicle. Turn the ignition off, open the hood, and attempt to lure the cat out with strong-smelling food (like tuna) and a calm voice,’’ says Dr Wilde.
‘’If the cat is stuck or unresponsive, you can call emergency services or a mechanic to remove the cat safely.’’
MEDIA INTERVIEWS & CONTACT
Suzana Talevski: Head of Media and Digital Content, Lort Smith
Mobile: 0403 047 945
Email: stalevski@lortsmith.com