DRIVERS have been urged to make a vital check this winter before they set off in the car.
Making a simple check of the underneath of the car could mean the difference between life and death.
Drivers are being urged to check for cats under their cars this winterGetty Images – Getty
Motorists have been warned of the dangers of accidentally killing a cat this winter after experts said they could be sheltering beneath cars.
Motoring experts at LeaseCar.uk are warning car owners to be vigilant before heading off as cats may be found sleeping under cars on winter mornings.
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Drivers should check around their cars in the morning as cats may be sheltering from the frost underneath.
A sleeping cat could be seriously injured or even killed if a car pulls away before they have had a chance to flee.
Each year thousands of cats are killed and injured on UK roads and the experts say many of them may have been sheltering against the cold under vehicles.
Tim Alcock from LeaseCar.uk said: “No driver wants to be responsible for the death of somebody’s beloved pet cat.
“But on these cold mornings, it’s important to bear in mind that someone’s furry friend may be peacefully slumbering under the car.
“We’re asking every driver to spend a couple of minutes checking for any pets that might be lurking around the tyres or under the car.
“If you do find a cat under the car give it a nudge or shoo it away before turning the engine on.
“It’s important for all drivers to be aware of this and not just those who own cats. After all, cats don’t just target their owner’s cars for a snooze.
“Accidentally harming a neighbour’s cat could seriously damage relations with the neighbour themselves and could lead to all kinds of bitterness and other issues.”