Charity appeal to return stowaway cat home
Matilda had minor burns on her paws from the car engine, which have since healed.
Cats Protection has launched an appeal to return a cat home, after she travelled under a car bonnet from Barnsley to Wakefield.
The black and white cat, which has been named Matilda, made a 15-mile journey from Barnsley College’s Honeywell site to Wakefield. She is believed to have climbed under the car bonnet when the car’s owner was at work.
She was not discovered until the following day, when a dog was acting strangely around the vehicle.
When the lady opened the car bonnet, Matilda was found cowering. Aside from some minor burns on her paws, which have since healed, all Matilda required was some care for her eyes and teeth.
She is now staying at Cats Protection Leeds Cat Centre, where she is getting the care that she needs.
Elizabeth Day, deputy centre manager, said: “Matilda’s suffered minor burns on her paws from the heat of the car engine, but these have healed very quickly. She isn’t in the best condition, with runny eyes that need bathing and needing extensive dental treatment, which we were able to provide to alleviate her discomfort.”
Matilda is a friendly cat and is estimated to be around five years old. She is not microchipped, so the charity is struggling to find her owner.
Cats Protection is urging anyone from the college area who suspects Matilda is their cat to get in touch with them. If she is discovered to be a stray, the charity will care for her until she is ready for a new home.
To contact the centre about this cat email enquiries@gildersome.cats.org.uk or call 0300 012 1505. Proof of ownership will be required.
Image © Cats Protection
The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) is inviting applications from veterinary students to attend a one-week extramural studies (EMS) placement in July 2026.
