Undetected Kitten Rides For Miles Under Car's Hood

Man Says Kitten Found During Oil Change

Updated: 5:01 pm CDT July 25, 2009

MADISON, Wis. -- A kitten traveled more than 1,000 miles under the hood of an unknowing Belleville man's car.

Steve Johnson said he discovered the kitten while getting his oil changed Friday.

"I really couldn't believe it. The gentleman pulled the cat out it looked like it was in pretty good shape," said Johnson.

Johnson arrived at Smart Motors to get an oil change with no idea he was carrying a mini passenger.

Smart Motors employee Brandon Stachowiak was the one who discovered the kitten hiding under the hood.

"I opened the hood and all of a sudden I saw a cat just sitting there between the firewall and the engine block," Stachowiak said.

Johnson was surprised to see the kitten, but he remembered what happened last week.

"I was at the Piggly Wiggly in Evansville. I'm a sales rep for Carl Buddig meats, (and) as I walked toward my vehicle, a customer came up to me and said, 'Don't start your engine,'" Johnson said.

The shopper had seen a cat crawl up on Johnson's tire. Johnson said they searched the car but could not find any animal, so he forgot about it -- until Friday.

Sherry Smith of Happy Cat, an adoption company working with Dane County Humane Society, said they see instances like this.

"He's looking for a warm place and he's probably just hiding out," Smith said.

Happy Cat will take care of the kitten until he's ready for adoption.

"He's not worse for wear. He's dehydrated; I think he's doing great for all he's gone through," Smith said.

The cat stayed safe during his long journey under the hood of Johnson's car.

"I probably put about 1,400 miles on the vehicle in that time, and that cat's been all over the state," Johnson said.

For all those hoping to adopt this kitten, it's still a bit early. Happy Cat workers said the kitten will remain in their care for a few weeks until he can be neutered, then they will put him up for adoption.

For more information on how to adopt one of Happy Cat's rescue animals, people can call 608-845-8292. They can also be reached by email at alabrd@yahoo.com or people can visit their Pet Finder site at happycatclub.Petfinder.Com.