Friday morning alert as UK motorists told to check under their car before driving

Friday morning alert as UK motorists told to check under their car before driving People are being urged to check under their vehicles this week before setting off Motorists across the country are being urged to check underneath their car before driving off this morning, Friday, November 6, for an important reason. Many people will have been out last night, celebrating Bonfire Night and watching firework displays; however, not everyone would have been having a good time. For millions of domestic and wild animals, this time of year can be stressful and unsettling. For cats especially, Bonfire Night can be frightening, with the sudden, loud bangs of fireworks often triggering significant stress and anxiety. When startled by fireworks, cats instinctively bolt in search of a safe place to hide. The space beneath a parked car offers an ideal dark, enclosed shelter. With 22% more cats reported missing on Bonfire Night than on any other night of the year, the risks to cats are extremely concerning. Even cats that are usually confident outdoors can behave unpredictably when panicked, so vets warn that owners shouldn’t assume that their cat wouldn’t stay under a car if frightened. Jimmy Bratley, Veterinary Advisor for Feliway, is urging motorists to take extra precautions this Bonfire Night and has shared simple checks drivers should make before driving. He has also shared advice for owners on keeping their cats safe. Checks drivers should make before setting off this November Jimmy said: "Before starting the engine, gently tap on your car bonnet or roof to alert any cats that may be sheltering underneath. Give them a few seconds to move away before carefully checking under your vehicle and inside the wheel arches. "Once you’re confident there isn’t a cat under your car, carry out your usual checks before driving away. Drivers should also take extra care when driving, as frightened cats may unexpectedly dart into the road." What can cat owners do to reduce the risks? Keep your cat indoors on Bonfire Night Jimmy says one of the most effective things you can do to protect your cat on Bonfire Night is to keep them indoors from dusk, before firework displays are likely to begin. If cats get scared when outdoors, they may bolt in any direction trying to find a safe place to hide, and could get disoriented and lost. He says: "Make sure your cat has access to a clean litter tray, fresh water and plenty of food, so they don’t need to go outside." Check their microchip details Even with the right precautions in place, Jimmy says that frightened cats may still escape. "Make sure your cat is microchipped and that all your contact information is up to date", he said. Minimise noise and lights Close any windows, doors, curtains and cat flaps to keep the firework noises to a minimum. You can also play calming music or turn the volume up on your TV to help mask the sounds. Provide a safe space Cats will want to get away from the loud noises and will try to find a quiet, dark place to hide, so make sure to provide them with a cosy hiding place using bedding and blankets to help muffle the noise. Jimmy Bratley added: "The most common response to fireworks in fearful or anxious cats is to run away, hide, or climb to a safe lookout. Unfortunately, this can be underneath parked cars, putting your cat at serious risk if a driver doesn’t realise they’re there. "Other behaviours that suggest your cat is scared of the fireworks include dilated pupils, increased alertness, soiling the house, refusing to eat, ears facing downwards or backwards, and shaking. I recommend creating a quiet, safe space in your home where your cat can retreat if they choose. Combine this with a Feliway Optimum diffuser, and you’ll give your cat the best chance to stay calm and recover quickly when fireworks are going off."