Sarah Ann Stevens thought she was traveling alone when she went on a 50-mile drive to Spokane, Washington. But after shopping, she realized she hadn’t been alone.
“When I went to leave Costco I heard a thumping then a meowing and my stomach just hit the floor,” Sarah wrote on Facebook.
Opening her car’s hood, she saw the face of Thomas, the cat she had rescued after he showed up as a stray at her doorstep. “My stomach just hit the floor,” wrote Sarah. “[I was] crying like a baby because I felt so awful and guilty and worried for Thomas. I opened my hood to find him totally wedged in this spot.”
Photo credit: Sarah Ann Stevens
Thomas must have crawled into the engine space to get warm when he went outside. He likes being outdoors, being from the country.
Thomas had done what many cats do in the winter. They seek out a warm spot, whether it be near the heat vents indoors, or a car engine outside.
Thomas was lucky in that he was unharmed, but some cats are not so lucky. That’s why many pet welfare groups advise to check your car for animals that might have sought out the warmth before you start the car engine.
“Make some noise,” writes the AVMA. “Check underneath your car, bang on the hood and honk the horn before starting the engine to encourage feline hitchhikers to abandon their roost.”
It’s a simple tip, but one that can save the life of an outdoor cat or a stray animal.
Luckily, some men at the store offered to help Sarah get Thomas out from the engine.
“The three men all kept saying he would bolt or lash out once he was out but as soon as I could I grabbed him …Thomas curled up into my arms,” writes Sarah. “He didn’t bite or scratch anyone the entire time, even when we were pulling his tail and back feet and pushing on his face.”
Photo credit: Sarah Ann Stevens
Sarah believes Thomas would do best if he could live in countryside where he can roam freely as he’s an outside/inside cat and is really sweet. He’s neutered and gets along well with Sarah’s dog. And fortunately, a short time later, Sarah found Thomas a forever home!
Thomas sure was lucky! Be sure to share this winter safety tip with your friends and family who have cats or have cats in their neighborhood!
Disclosure: This post may include affiliate links.