Kitten survives 230-mile journey from South Wales.... stuck in car engine!
The RSPCA is urging anyone in South Wales who recognises the cat to get in touch
Last updated 1st Sep 2021
A kitten has been rescued in Leeds, after travelling around 230 miles from South Wales, stuck in a car engine!
The driver says they heard a "strange noise" coming from the engine, which they had assumed was a mechanical fault.
When they lifted the bonnet and found the kitten, they tried to lure him out with food but it didn't work, so they contacted the RSPCA.
Animal Rescue Officer Rebecca Goulding, said: “I managed to reach the poor kitten and bring him to safety. He was absolutely covered in grease but thankfully had no injuries so he’s a very lucky cat. The caller explained that they’d heard a strange noise all the way from South Wales and had assumed it was something wrong with the engine.
“That means the kitten must have been stuck there for about four hours. He’s so lucky to have not been burnt or injured. He’s definitely used up one of his nine lives on the trip!”
Rebecca has named the little Welsh stowaway Tom Jones, and the six-week-old is now living with the RSPCA Halifax branch and is said to be doing very well.
Rebecca added: “We would urge motorists to take some simple steps to make sure there are no intrepid moggies seeking shelter under their car before they switch on their engines and drive away. A quick look under the car and a tap on the bonnet should help to reveal a hiding cat. Make sure to wait a few moments to give any cat time to crawl out before deciding if it’s safe to switch on the engine.
“Often cats will be able to crawl out themselves but sometimes something may scare them or they may snuggle into a very tight spot within the car and unfortunately become trapped under the bonnet.”
The RSPCA is now urging anyone from South Wales who recognises Tom to get in touch on 0300 123 8018, as they don't know whether or not he is a stray cat.