A recent "good news" story captured the hearts of cat loving Americans.
TV viewers were mesmerized by the story of a cat from the Bronx, NY, who survived a two-mile drive through his northern NYC borough, while stuck inside the engine of an SUV. The stray was so severely wedged inside that the battery and other engine parts had to be removed in order to free him. Though the story has a happy ending, the incident points to a winter phenomenon that many felines do not survive.
During the winter, American SPCA experts explain, it’s common for outdoor cats to sleep under the hoods of cars for warmth and protection. Once the motor is started, however, the cat can be injured or killed by moving parts. One solution is for drivers to bang loudly on the vehicle hood before starting their car engines. This gives a sleeping cat the chance to escape or announce his presence by meowing or moving around.
Pet parents, be aware: there are many other dangers that our animal companions face during winter. Click the link for a list of essential cold weather tips to keep companion animals safe from winter threats.
