Hey Michigan! Honking Frequently Can Save Lives This Winter

Usually when you're honking your horn it's because you're irritated. But, this fall and winter, you should be honking to save lives.

In my Michigan neighborhood, we have quite a few cats and kittens roaming about outside. In the colder months, cats often take shelter underneath or even in the hood of cars. That's because they are warm and dry and can protect the felines from predators.

Animal sanctuaries and rescues have been vocal about how to alert these cuties before starting up your car.

Here's what they recommend:

Before starting your vehicle, especially in the morning, take a moment to do the following: gently tap on the hood, open it if you can, give a quick glance inside, kick the tires lightly, and honk your horn briefly.

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If you see a cat entering someone else's car, you can gently knock on the hood. If that doesn’t help, or you feel uncomfortable doing so, leave a note for the owner reminding them to check their engine before driving.

If you discover the cat after driving, seek help right away, as it may need urgent veterinary care. The best options are to call your local shelter or rescue, or reach out to an emergency veterinarian for assistance with any injured or sick cats found under the hood.

If you open your car hood and find a cat staring back at you, and the cat seems startled, is not moving, or appears stuck, your best option is to call your local animal shelter or rescue for assistance. While you can try to remove the cat yourself by wearing thick gloves, it is not recommended due to the potential risk of injury to both you and the cat.

So please, Michigan and other states with colder months, remember to tap, kick and honk throughout the fall and winter!