Animal Lovers Send Out Warning After Cat Hiding Under Car Is Injured
DENVER (CBS4) - Animal lovers in Denver have a suggestion for drivers that might help prevent serious injuries to cats.
Officials with the Denver Dumb Friends League said they have a cat recovering at their shelter who they believe was hurt when he climbed up into a car from underneath and the owner at some point started the engine.
"Percy arrived at the Dumb Friends League in mid-February with severe injuries consistent with trauma caused by fan belt of a car or truck where he was hiding," Dumb Friends League spokeswoman Megan Rees said in a prepared statement.
Percy suffered a fractured jaw and had to undergo surgery. He now has a device that sticks out of his head that stabilizes the jaw bones while they heal.
The 1-year-old red tabby, who is described as having a "super sweet" disposition, will eventually be available for adoption.
The Dumb Friends League said they are taking the opportunity to share Percy's story in an effort to prevent more injuries like his. They say in cold temperatures it's a good idea bang on the hood before starting the car to scare off an anial that might be hiding there. They said that is particularly important for residents of neighborhoods where there are a lot of cats about.
"During the colder months, cats left outdoors will often take refuge under the hood of a car in their search to stay warm," Rees said.
Rees also said they encourage at owners to keep cats indoors for this and other safety reasons.