Asda workers made a lucky discovery when one delivery driver went to check his engine.
A lorry driver delivering to Asda Liscard made the discovery after he heard his engine "purring in a more unusual way than normal," according to the RSPCA. He and other store workers went to investigate and found a nine week old black kitten under his bonnet.
The kitten had been the driver's unknowing passenger for around 250 miles as he drove to the Liscard shop from Southampton. The kitten, named Yorkie after the driver's favourite chocolate bar, is in good health and was taken to RSPCA Wirral and Chester based in Wallasey.
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Kay Hawthorne, manager at the Wallasey branch, said: "We can't imagine how frightened Yorkie must have been traveling along the M6 at 60mph next to a big noisy engine for several hours. He was very lucky to survive such a dangerous trip.
"He has had quite a journey and we are really keen to find his owners. Sadly he isn't microchipped so this won't be an easy task so we are hoping someone recognises him and can be returned home.
“He is a very friendly and loveable boy and is so small - he only weighs 700 grams - he is certainly enjoying plenty of love and attention.”
The RSPCA has now issued a warning to motorists after the miracle incident, which could've ended up much worse than it did. Thousands of cats are rescued by the service each year as they often curl up in car bonnets next to warm engines, becoming trapped.
Kay said: "We'd always urge motorists to take some simple steps to make sure there are no intrepid moggies seeking shelter under their car before they switch on their engines and drive away.
"A quick look under the car and a tap on the bonnet should help to reveal a hiding cat. Make sure to wait a few moments to give any cat time to crawl out before deciding if it’s safe to switch on the engine.
"Often cats will be able to crawl out themselves but sometimes something may scare them or they may snuggle into a very tight spot within the vehicle and then become trapped under the bonnet.
"Yorkie’s adventure also shows the importance of microchipping and the RSPCA advises all owners to microchip their pets so as to offer the best chance of them being identified and returned if lost."
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