When the temperature drops during the cold winter months, outdoor cats and local wildlife (like raccoons) will seek out warm places for shelter. One of the most irresistible and dangerous places for this is a warm engine, like the one in a car that has just been parked; even electric vehicles share the risk! Smaller animals can easily access and fit the space under the car’s hood and can be injured or even killed when the car is started. The BC SPCA strongly encourages cat guardians to keep their cats indoors to prevent these and other risks. However, an easy and important check you can do to help keep cats and wildlife safe is a practice called “think and thump”.
Think and thump before starting your car:
- Tap or lightly thump the hood of your car, allowing time for a four-legged friend to make their escape.
- Honk your horn.
- Wait a few moments to listen for any sounds of movement.
- Check under your car for any animals that might be hiding there.
Watch the video!
Little Fred’s story
Fred was a tiny kitten who was taken on a big, unexpected journey. A Good Samaritan discovered him tucked inside the engine bay of their vehicle after driving home on the highway with the unintentional stowaway. He was rushed to an emergency veterinarian and then transferred to the BC SPCA.
Vets found burns on all four paw pads, a laceration behind his left ear (which was glued closed and healed well), and lameness in his rear left leg. X-rays determined the weakness was most likely caused by nerve damage, which luckily was expected to heal slowly on its own.
Despite his injuries Fred was remarkably affectionate, purring and seeking cuddles through the whole ordeal. He was placed in 24/7 foster care, spending time each day walking to strengthen the affected leg while his paws scabbed and healed. This resilient boy gave nothing but snuggles and loving head-butts as he made steady progress. Today, Fred (now called Milo) is fully healed and happily adopted into his forever home!
Bonus: watch the rescue video of Miracle, another cat recently pulled from a vehicle wheel well in Surrey.
Outdoor Animals during Winter
- While the BC SPCA is opposed to keeping animals permanently outdoors, it does acknowledge some guardians still house their pets in this manner.
- In such cases, the animal must have shelter protecting them from cold, windy, and damp conditions; the protection must be appropriate to their weight and coat. The shelter provided should also be elevated, insulated, and regularly cleaned.
- You should also ensure your four-legged friend has enough clean, potable drinking water that has not frozen over.
- If you happen to have stray and community cats living nearby. Learn the number of ways to keep community care safe this winter.
More Winter Resources
- How to keep your pets safe in colder weather conditions
- Wild animals in the winter
- Think and Thump – Printable kids activity!
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