As the temperature begins to plunge, animals seek out places that are warm and sheltered. For some outdoor felines this could mean climbing up under the hood of a vehicle. While these cats are usually looking for a warm, sheltered place to rest, they often get much more than they bargained for. Every year numerous cats are killed and seriously injured by vehicle fans and fanbelts.

Since cats are seeking warmth as well as shelter, a vehicle which has been parked for a short period of time and which still has a warm engine is more desirable. If you leave your car for a few minutes don’t assume that a cat hasn’t curled up next to the engine during your absence. The warm engine may have attracted a feline who needed a warm place to rest. Vehicles equipped with a space heater also attract cats looking for a warm place to curl up.

Every time you get into your vehicle warn any cats who might be resting near your vehicle’s engine. Your warning can consist of banging the hood of your vehicle with your hand several times or honking the horn. If you choose the horn to warn cats make sure that you give them enough time to escape before turning on the engine.

By warning cats every time that you get into a vehicle you will develop a habit of issuing this important warning. For years I have banged the hood of my vehicle before getting in,  sometimes resulting in  funny looks from others, so that it is now automatic - just like fastening my seatbelt.

Don’t get into the habit of only warning cats during cold weather. If you don’t issue this warning on a continual basis you are more likely to forget to do it. And, while cats are more likely to seek warmth and shelter during cold weather, they are inquisitive creatures who will climb up under vehicle hoods at any time of year. Several years ago while working for a humane society I went on an emergency call involving a cat who was injured by a vehicle’s fan. The incident occurred during a warm day in May!

A cat who has been injured by a vehicle fan or fanbelt requires immediate veterinary attention. To help prevent the injured cat from going into shock and to protect the person carrying the injured feline you can carefully wrap the animal in a blanket. Next, place the cat wrapped in the blanket in a box or cat carrier. This will keep the animal from thrashing around or escaping enroute to the veterinarian. Make sure the cat has adequate ventilation.

Call ahead to the veterinary office to see who will provide the emergency services. This is particularly important if the animal has been injured outside normal working hours. Once arrangements have been made for a veterinarian to examine the cat, the animal should be immediately taken for veterinary care.

While getting into the habit of alerting any cats under the hood every time that you get into your vehicle is important, so too is alerting others of this simple, potentially life saving procedure. Please take the time to educate others how they can help to ensure the safety of our feline friends.