December 9, 2025, 4:02 pm | Read time: 4 minutes
When it’s freezing outside, snow is falling, or damp cold seeps into every crevice, not only do humans seek a sheltered, warm place. Cats—whether outdoor, stray, or kittens—follow their instincts in the cold season and urgently seek warmth. What many don’t know: Cars become refuges for these animals in the cold—and thus a life-threatening trap. A simple routine can save cat lives in winter.
Why Cats Use Cars as Hiding Spots in Winter
Cats are masters at finding warm, dark, and sheltered places. Especially in winter, cars offer this exact combination. The residual heat from the engine creates an inviting microclimate, while wheel wells and tires provide good insulation and keep out wind and moisture. The engine compartment or cavities in the underbody also feel like natural caves to cats, offering a sense of security.
Not only adult animals seek shelter here: Cat mothers often leave their young in seemingly safe corners of cars, where kittens crawl deep into crevices out of cold or fear. From the outside, they are hardly visible—and often only discovered by their faint meowing.
An Underestimated Danger–With Tragic Consequences
The risks in the engine compartment are varied: Moving parts can catch fur or limbs, the intense heat of the running engine can cause severe burns, and a panicked attempt to escape can lead to animals getting caught under the wheels. Heat buildup or lack of air supply can quickly become fatal for cats.
Animal rescues and fire departments frequently report operations where entire underbody panels have to be removed or wheels dismantled. Some animals are lucky and survive. Like a small kitten that traveled from Hanover to Bochum in a wheel well, or a kitten that journeyed from Croatia to Austria in an engine compartment. But these are, unfortunately, exceptions.
Young or older cats are particularly at risk, as they are either curious and inexperienced or slower and have poorer hearing. Tragic cases like the death of the cat Toffifee show how real and omnipresent this danger is. The animal had climbed into the engine compartment of an electric car and lost its life.
The Initiative “Knock on Your Car! Save Cat Lives!”
Its owner, Tanja Gauss, subsequently launched the #knockonyourcar campaign to raise awareness of the often underestimated danger of cats in engine compartments and wheel wells. With flyers, social media campaigns, and car stickers, she aims to reach as many people as possible. Her message is clear: A brief moment of attention can prevent an animal from being seriously injured or killed when starting or driving.1
The Most Important Rule: Knock, Check, Wait
Before starting the engine, follow these steps:
- Firmly knock on the hood.
- Lightly kick the tires.
- Take a quick look under the car.
- If possible, lift the hood.
- Wait a moment after starting.
This routine takes only a few seconds but can mean the difference between life and death.
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Preventing Accidents Before They Happen
To prevent cats from hiding in or around cars, simple measures can be taken. Cat owners should always provide their animals with a sheltered retreat outside, such as a weatherproof, well-insulated cat house that is ideally elevated and offers a view of the territory. Many cats prefer these spots over engine warmth if they are perceived as pleasant and safe. Additionally, it’s worth always checking where your cat is before leaving the property.2
Even drivers without their own pets can take precautions by parking the vehicle in a garage if possible. Sometimes, scent barriers made from essential oils or ultrasonic devices are recommended to keep animals away.3 However, there is little scientific evidence that these methods work, especially regarding ultrasound. Therefore, one should not rely on such methods.
Conclusion: Small Gesture, Big Impact
Winter poses significant challenges for cats, and cars often become unintended shelters. With a simple routine, however, we can save animal lives. A knock, a quick glance, a moment of patience—that’s all it takes to allow a cat to escape and prevent serious injury or death. The #knockonyourcar initiative reminds us how easy active animal protection can be if we all stay vigilant.