Purring engine turns out to be kitten under the hood in P.A.

By Jaryn Vecchio

paNOW staff

It was something automotive technicians at Lakeland Hyundai in Prince Albert weren’t expecting to see when they started work Friday morning.

While doing a routine oil change, they heard scratching and soft meows coming from under the vehicle’s hood.

That’s when they found a small kitten who had been previously sleeping next to the engine to keep warm.

“The person had driven 10 to 15 minutes across Prince Albert with a cat in there and didn’t realize it,” said Ryan Monczunski, Manager at Lakeland Hyundai. “It was obviously scared and had its back burnt from the (car) belt.”

Monczunski’s wife was quickly called and brought the cat to a vet where it received care for its injuries.

The dealership is looking to see if it was a stray or someone’s pet. A service advisor is planning to adopt it if it’s not already part of a family.

Monczunski explained this caught them off guard, but it’s a situation that happens from time to time. Along with cats, technicians have found squirrels and mice with many not being as lucky as this kitten was.

“Unfortunately, we (usually) find a body and not a living animal,” said Monczunski.

He’s reminding drivers this is usually the time of year when animals can get under vehicle hoods to stay warm.

“Usually, strays will find a winter home, so at the beginning of the cold season be mindful that there could be an animal. When you start your car, and you hear something a little abnormal… just turn it off and have a quick look,” added Monczunski.