The kitten was nine weeks old and covered in oil when he was found (Picture: Triangle News)
A tough kitten survived a 250-mile journey in the winter under the bonnet of a lorry.
He hitched a ride with a delivery driver heading from Southampton all the way to an Asda in Liscard, Merseyside.
When the driver got to the supermarket, he noticed his engine purring – literally – and ended up finding the nine-week old black and white kitten covered in oil.
Colleagues helped him take the frightened animal to the vet where the oil was cleaned out of his fur.
Miraculously, the kitten was completely unharmed.
He was named Yorkie, after the lorry driver’s favourite chocolate bar, and was handed over to Wirral and Chester’s RSPCA.
Branch manager Kay Hawthorne 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.
Kay Hawthorne said Yorkie’s adventure shows the importance of microchipping pets (Picture: Triangle News)
‘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 rescues thousands of cats who have become trapped in cars.
At this time of year, when the temperatures plummet, it’s not uncommon for cats to curl up under car bonnets next to a warm engine
Kay added: ‘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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The nine-week old kitten travelled from Southampton to Merseyside.
