After a spell of mild weather, temperatures are forecast to drop again in the UK. The Met Office says that, through the weekend and into next week, colder conditions will arrive bringing the prospect of snow to some areas.
Meteorologist and presenter Aidan McGivern said rain and showers coming from the northwest could fall as snow over the high parts of Scotland, northern England and Northern Ireland later in the weekend. "As we move through next week often below average temperatures could support a mixture of rain, hail sleet and snow," he said.
And car owners are being urged to be particularly vigilant during the cold snap. Motoring experts at LeaseCar.uk say drivers should check around their vehicles in the morning - as cats may be sheltering from the frost underneath the vehicle or even in the wheel arch above the tyres.
Cats are fond of hiding under cars and vans as they feel protected against cold winds and biting frosts. They can also gain warmth from the vehicle’s engine if it has been recently running, but if a driver is unaware of its presence they could run it over before it has chance to flee.
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 and gently pulling away.
“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. Any vehicle is fair game to them.
“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.
“So it really is worth taking a few minutes each morning to make sure there are no cats under the car. Unlike dogs it isn’t a good idea to let sleeping cats lie.“
