di marco
05-02-2009, 15:32
A cat emerged unscathed after travelling more than 40 miles across two counties beneath a lorry, the RSPCA said.
The short-haired tabby was found on Wednesday after arriving at a carpet store in Dersingham, Norfolk, where staff heard her cries.
The RSPCA said the pet was believed to have hitched a ride from Mildenhall, Suffolk, where the lorry was briefly parked after setting off from Chelmsford, Essex.
She was found crouched in a space between the vehicle's air brake and axle.
An RSPCA spokeswoman said: "It is thought that the cat hopped on board in Mildenhall, as the vehicle stopped for 45 minutes and the warm space underneath would have proved very attractive in the freezing temperatures. It seems she had then clung on for more than 42 miles before being found.
"Unfortunately, the cat had no collar or microchip, but she is healthy and very friendly, indicating that she may have an owner somewhere who is missing her."
The charity is now searching for the cat's owner.
RSPCA animal collection officer Antoinette Shearsby said: "The cat was unharmed but I had to tempt her out of her hiding place with cat biscuits - and she was covered in dirt and oil.
"We'll take good care of her until her owner can be found. If no one comes forward we will look for a new home for her."
Anyone who recognises the cat or knows where she came from is asked to contact the RSPCA on 0300 1234999.
The short-haired tabby was found on Wednesday after arriving at a carpet store in Dersingham, Norfolk, where staff heard her cries.
The RSPCA said the pet was believed to have hitched a ride from Mildenhall, Suffolk, where the lorry was briefly parked after setting off from Chelmsford, Essex.
She was found crouched in a space between the vehicle's air brake and axle.
An RSPCA spokeswoman said: "It is thought that the cat hopped on board in Mildenhall, as the vehicle stopped for 45 minutes and the warm space underneath would have proved very attractive in the freezing temperatures. It seems she had then clung on for more than 42 miles before being found.
"Unfortunately, the cat had no collar or microchip, but she is healthy and very friendly, indicating that she may have an owner somewhere who is missing her."
The charity is now searching for the cat's owner.
RSPCA animal collection officer Antoinette Shearsby said: "The cat was unharmed but I had to tempt her out of her hiding place with cat biscuits - and she was covered in dirt and oil.
"We'll take good care of her until her owner can be found. If no one comes forward we will look for a new home for her."
Anyone who recognises the cat or knows where she came from is asked to contact the RSPCA on 0300 1234999.