A routine MOT test became trickier for a Nottingham mechanic when he discovered a kitten trapped under the bonnet of the car.
Mechanic Phil Hardy made the discovery when he lifted up the bonnet of the car to carry out some work and was shocked to see the trapped female kitten stuck near the engine.
The car had been taken to Harmac Garage in First Avenue, off Greasley Street in Bulwell, when the discovery was made.
Phil was unable to free the frightened feline, so he called the RSPCA and inspector Kirsty Ludlam went out to help.
Kirsty said: “She was well and truly stuck and was scared so she didn’t want to move. I was trying to entice her with food, but she was so scared, and she was just hissing at me. I just couldn’t get my hand to her so the mechanic raised the car up on the platform and I could see her backend poking down the side of the engine and managed to pull her gently free.
“She must have crawled under the car and into the bonnet before the driver set of for his MOT test and she was quite near the engine belts so as lucky not to be hurt.”
Inspector Ludlam took the kitten to Arnold and Carlton Vets for a check-up and she was found to be uninjured, but it was decided to monitor her over the weekend.
The following day, another stray kitten was found wandering around lost in Bullwell and Animal Collection Officer, Caitlin McNaughton was sent to collect the cat and took it to the same vets.
The vet decided it was such a coincidence for two kittens – who looked so much alike – to be found in the same area and guessed they must be sisters.
Kirsty added: “When they were put together it was clear they were pleased to see each other – they were very loving towards each other and seemed happy. The kittens are feral, and we are not sure what has happened to mum – she may have left them – but at least they have found safety and each other.
“They are about five weeks old and eventually will be able to live in a domestic environment. It is so cute they have each other. I love a happy ending.”
The kittens are now being cared for by the Nottingham branch of the RSPCA and have been called Stevie and Jo-Jo. They are being kept together until they are ready to be rehomed.
