Why do cats like to hide under cars?
Why do cats like to hide under cars?
Cats like to hide underneath the car because it is relatively secluded and warm underneath or inside the car, and cats feel safe and comfortable in these places. In addition, some cats may prefer the smell of gasoline, which is also a reason why they prefer to stay under the car. In addition, some kittens are born in the car, which may make them habituated to staying in these areas. To avoid starting the car and threatening the cat’s safety, it is recommended that car owners check the car before driving.
Stray cats always like to stay underneath the car, which can lead to their death if the owner doesn’t notice. Similar news is very common. So why do cats like to hide under cars so much? And how to minimize the occurrence of such accidents, this article explores these questions with you.
The reasons why cats like to hide under the car can be summarized as follows:
1, sense of security. The bottom of the car provides a relatively hidden space for cats to feel safe. Especially for stray cats, they are more inclined to look for a place that is not easily found by humans or other animals to avoid potential danger. The narrow space underneath the car and the three-sided shelter can provide cats with protection from the wind and rain and give them peace of mind.
2. Temperature regulation. Especially in winter, the car engine will still maintain a certain temperature for a period of time after the engine is turned off, so the bottom of the car becomes an ideal place for cats to warm up. And in the summer, while the bottom of the car may not be as cool as other places, it is still a relatively comfortable and safe refuge for some cats.
3. Gasoline odor. Certain cats have a special preference for the smell of gasoline, which may be one of the reasons they choose to hide under the car. However, it is important to note that prolonged exposure to gasoline can be harmful to your cat’s health.
4. Curiosity. Cats are naturally curious and will explore and try new environments or objects. The complex structure and various parts underneath the car may attract the cat’s curiosity and make them want to get inside to find out what’s going on.
5. Mother cat selection. Sometimes, the mother cat may choose to use the bottom of the car as a maternity ward. This is because the undercarriage provides a relatively safe, secluded and warm environment conducive to the growth and development of the kittens. When the mother cat goes out to forage for food, the kittens are safe and warm when they hide inside. And when the kittens grow up, they may get used to staying or playing in these places.
6. Danger. While the underside of a car provides some protection and comfort for cats, it is also a potential source of danger. Especially when the vehicle is started or moving, cats can get run over or stuck in parts. For this reason, vehicle owners should double-check underneath their vehicles for cats hiding underneath to ensure their safety before driving.
In summary, the main reasons why cats like to hide under the car include factors such as security, temperature regulation, gasoline odor, curiosity, mother cat selection and potential danger. In order to protect the safety of cats, car owners should carefully inspect the undercarriage and take appropriate measures to repel or rescue cats before driving.
To avoid harming your cat’s health because your car starts, car owners can do this:
First, before you drive, you can tap the body a few times so that your cat can hear the commotion and leave immediately.
Secondly, some cats may have fallen asleep in the car and didn’t hear the sound, so you can honk the horn a few times before the car starts, and the sleeping cat will run away immediately after being startled.
In addition, there are some cats that may hide in a more secluded place out of fear when they hear the sound, and may burrow into one of the crevices in the car, making it more difficult to come out. In this regard, when a cat is found in the car, the owner can take his cell phone and download a cat call simulator to lure it out. Or put food under the car to lure the cat out.
This article on the reasons why cats like to stay under the car is introduced here, in order to reduce the occurrence of accidents, if there are stray cats in and out of the vicinity of the home, it is best for car owners to check the car before driving.