Four cats trapped in cars recently survived harrowing journeys inside or underneath moving vehicles. Their remarkable rescues had happy endings, but they carry an urgent warning for every driver: check beneath your car, around the wheels, and under the hood before starting the engine.

UPDATED: Since this article was first published, two more cats have survived frightening ordeals inside vehicle engine compartments. Their stories have been added below.

by Rita Reimers, Certified Cat Behaviorist

Four Remarkable Rescues of Cats Trapped in Cars

Jersey survived an astonishing 800-mile journey beneath a car, while Dolly was discovered wedged inside a car grille in Iowa.

More recently, a newborn kitten traveled 76 miles inside an SUV’s engine compartment, and another cat survived eight hours trapped beneath the hood of a vehicle.

Thankfully, all four cats were rescued and their frightening journeys had happy endings.

A Tiny Kitten’s 76-Mile Journey

A newborn kitten survived an incredible 76-mile journey inside the engine compartment of an SUV traveling from Rocksprings to Kerrville, Texas. After the vehicle arrived at Peterson Health, an employee heard the kitten crying and quickly called for help.

Staff members, an animal control officer, and Kerrville Pets Alive worked together to rescue the tiny passenger. Part of the vehicle’s front grille had to be removed to reach the kitten, who was later reported to be safe, warm, well-fed, and receiving plenty of care.

Read the full story in the New York Post 

Eight Hours Trapped Inside a Vehicle

Another cat survived eight frightening hours alone inside a vehicle’s engine compartment before help arrived. Reaching the cat required rescuers to work carefully in the cramped space beneath the vehicle to free the exhausted animal without causing further harm.

After the rescue, the cat, now named Nala, was wrapped in blankets and given the care needed to recover. Once again, a potentially tragic ordeal ended with the cat safely out of the vehicle and in caring hands. She is recovering at the RSPCA Birmingham Animal Hospital.

Read Nala’s rescue story

Jersey’s 800-Mile Journey

Jersey’s adventure began when he apparently crawled beneath a car in New Jersey, likely looking for a small place to hide. The driver, a University of Georgia student, had no idea she had a tiny passenger underneath her vehicle as she traveled approximately 800 miles back to Athens, Georgia.

She discovered him after arriving at UGA and noticed a leg sticking out near the bumper. Workers at a local tire shop removed parts from beneath the vehicle so they could safely reach the kitten.

Amazingly, Jersey survived the journey without serious injury and received a clean bill of health from a veterinarian. He was taken into the care of Cat Zip Alliance and given the name Jersey, in honor of where his incredible journey began.

Read Jersey’s original rescue story on FOX 5 Atlanta.

Dolly’s Rescue from a Car Grille

Just days later, another kitten was discovered trapped in the grille of a car at a coffee-shop drive-through in Iowa.

Tow-truck driver Jordan McKnight was called to help dismantle the grille and free the frightened kitten. But Dolly did more than survive her ordeal. She also found her new family.

McKnight brought her home to his family and adopted her after the rescue.

Read Dolly’s rescue story on KETV.

Why Cats Get Trapped in Cars

So why do we find cats trapped in cars so often? Cats instinctively seek small, enclosed spaces when they feel frightened, vulnerable, or in need of shelter. Mother cats may move their kittens into an engine compartment to keep them safe and warm while they search for food. Kittens and stray cats may crawl beneath a vehicle or into an engine compartment without understanding how dangerous it can be.

A parked car can appear to offer warmth and protection. Unfortunately, a cat may become trapped, injured by moving parts, or carried for miles when the driver starts the vehicle.

Check Before You Drive

Before starting your car, especially if it has been parked outdoors, take a few seconds to:

• Look underneath the vehicle.
• Check around the tires and wheel wells.
• Tap gently on the hood.
• Pause and listen for meowing or movement.

If you discover a cat trapped inside or beneath your vehicle, turn off the engine and do not attempt to drive. Avoid pulling the cat out forcefully, which could cause an injury. Contact local animal control, law enforcement, a rescue organization, or a qualified mechanic for help.

My Fox News Interview About Jersey

Fox News recently asked me to discuss why a frightened kitten might hide beneath a car and how an experience like Jersey’s could affect a cat’s behavior afterward.

Cats are remarkably resilient, but frightening experiences can leave them more cautious or sensitive for a while. A rescued cat may need a quiet environment, predictable routines, and time to feel safe again.

Watch my Fox News interview about Jersey’s remarkable survival.

These Cats Were the Lucky Ones

These four cats were extraordinarily fortunate to survive.

Their stories are also an important reminder that one quick check before starting the car could save a life.