"Meow! A Cat in the Engine Room" - June Cat-Entrapment Troubles Number About 5 Times That of November

JAF (Japan Automobile Federation, Chairman Masayoshi Sakaguchi) is calling on drivers to be aware of troubles caused by cats entering vehicles, which increase in June when kittens born in spring become active.

■ Last June, JAF received 402 requests nationwide due to cats entering vehicles

Cats are said to give birth frequently in spring and autumn, and June is when spring-born kittens start to become active. Therefore, JAF investigates the number of rescue requests related to "troubles caused by cats entering vehicles" in June.

During the one-month period from June 1 (Sunday) to June 30 (Monday), 2025, the number of road service requests from drivers reporting that "a cat has entered the engine room" was 402 nationwide, the highest number in the June surveys of the past three years.

Furthermore, a similar survey conducted in November 2025 recorded 83 requests in one month, meaning the 402 requests in June were approximately 4.8 times the November figure.

While there is a common perception that cats entering engine rooms is more frequent in winter, it actually occurs frequently in June when spring-born kittens become active. Caution is necessary not only in winter but also during this period.

■ Perform a "Cat Check" Before Getting in the Car!

Cats in the engine room may not notice the driver getting into the vehicle. Additionally, if the driver starts the engine without noticing the cat, it can lead to trouble.

To protect the lives of cats and your beloved car, please practice a "cat check": gently tap the hood and area around the engine room before getting in, and after getting in, wait a few seconds before starting the engine to check for any signs of a cat.