Specifically, cats are drawn to vehicles as a source of warmth, often hiding in dangerous locations such as:
Under the car;
Under the hood;
Inside the wheel wells;
And, in rare instances, in the exhaust pipe.
To avoid harming these animals, drivers are advised to take the following actions before starting their vehicles:
Tap on the hood to scare away any animals hiding underneath or in the engine compartment.
Inspect the mentioned areas to ensure there are no animals present, as frightened cats may burrow deeper into the vehicle.
If possible, use a flashlight to check hard-to-reach spots.
By thoroughly checking vehicles before driving, drivers can help protect stray animals from accidental harm during the colder months.