A 10‑week‑old kitten endured a cross‑country ride hidden beneath a car and is now recovering. The unexpected journey began when a New Jersey student spotted the animal during a campus arrival.
Rescue Details
University of Georgia student Jadyn Sawyer spotted a dangling leg from beneath his vehicle on Aug. 10 and alerted UGA Police. The police then contacted Cat Zip Alliance Campus Cats for assistance.
Bettinger, founder of the nonprofit, and volunteer Lisa Donovan arrived to find Jersey wedged into a small space under the car. The cramped space made the rescue challenging, but the team worked quickly.
Bettinger said her heart dropped at first as she thought the kitten wasn’t alive. The animal cried and moved when she touched his leg.
Mechanics placed the vehicle on a lift and removed the front driver’s side tire. Jersey was then pulled free.
Health and Future
A veterinary exam the next day confirmed Jersey was healthy aside from a minor upper respiratory infection and coccidia, an intestinal parasite common in outdoor kittens. The exam also verified that the kitten had no broken bones or external injuries.
He warmed up quickly, becoming talkative, playful and affectionate, according to Bettinger. His appetite returned to normal within a day.
Rita Reimers, a certified cat behaviorist based in North Carolina, explained that kittens often crawl into vehicles seeking shelter, noting that “if their head fits, their body will fit.” Reimers noted that such hidden animals are more common during colder months.
Reimers advised drivers to bang on the hood before starting engines, especially in winter, to dislodge hidden animals. The warning applies year‑round, especially in areas with high outdoor cat populations.
Adoption Plans
Jersey will stay in a foster home and undergo neutering, microchipping and a rabies vaccination on Sept. 1. The procedures are routine and expected to improve his long‑term health.
Sawyer’s sister and her fiancé in New Jersey plan to adopt the kitten, meaning he will return to the state where his journey began. The adoption will give the kitten a stable home after his extraordinary adventure.
Bettinger said logistics are being arranged to transport Jersey back to New Jersey the first week of September in a safe, comfortable manner. Transport plans include a climate‑controlled carrier to ensure his comfort during the trip.
