What to do if your cat is hit by a car

It’s extremely distressing when your cat is hit by a vehicle.

Here’s what to do.

What to do

You must see the vet as soon as possible.

Even if your cat looks fine, there can sometimes be an “adrenaline lag”, where your cat’s stress hormones and trauma response mask injury.

For example, a cat may look okay, but be suffering from internal injuries. Your vet may suggest admitting your cat for monitoring, even if there are no obvious injuries.

Another essential thing to remember: never use human medication, especially pain medication, on your cat after an accident. We understand that it’s stressful and you want to help, but these are fatal to cats.

But there are a few steps before getting to the vet which are essential to follow.

How to check on the cat

You need to look for three key things:

• Blinking

• Breathing

• Movement

These are the key signs of consciousness, but even if your cat is doing all of these things that doesn’t guarantee they are ok.

You’ll still need to safely transport them to the vet as soon as possible for further assessment.

How to safely restrain and transport the cat

It’s important to stay calm and act quickly.

Step one: Prioritise security and your safety

Before approaching the cat, make sure the road is clear. You need to keep yourself safe as well as the cat.

Step two: Approach with caution

Injured cats experience a massive rush of adrenaline. Even the most loving pet may bite or claw viciously due to pain-induced aggression.

• Avoid looking the cat directly in the eyes, which can be perceived as a threat.

• Speak in low, soothing tones.

Step three: Restrain the cat safely

Cats can understandably become aggressive and/or run away after an accident. You’ll need to immobilise them safely before taking them to the vet.

Here’s how to:

• Use a barrier wrap: Gently drop a thick blanket, towel, or heavy jacket directly over the cat's entire body, including their head. This dark environment instantly helps reduce their sensory shock.

• Secure them like a burrito: Gather the fabric firmly around their neck and body, pinning their limbs safely to their sides so they cannot scratch or escape, while keeping their face clear so they can breathe.

• Transfer to a secure space: Gently lift the wrapped cat. If you don't have a rigid pet carrier nearby, place them flat inside a cardboard box, an open laundry basket, or securely on the floorboards of your car.

Step four: Call the vet

Call your closest vet or emergency vet. It’s much better if they expect you to arrive. They can get staff ready and prepare everything they need in advance, saving precious time.

Step five: Head to the vet

A car is best, but use whatever safe transport you can. Ask someone else to drive you if you're upset or in shock.

Symptoms to look for after the accident

If your cat has been very lucky, they may not need to be hospitalised. After your cat has seen the vet and been signed off, you’ll still need to keep an eye on them for two key issues: long-term shock and signs of internal damage.

Symptoms of shock

• Abnormal behaviour, like depression or excitement

• Breathing abnormalities

• Cold to the touch

• Fast heart rate

• Glazed, unfocused eyes

• Pale gums

Symptoms of longer-term problems

• Breathing problems, especially if they’re fast or heavy

• Disorientation

• Inability to poop or urinate

• Loss of consciousness

• Signs of bleeding

• Signs of pain, like a hunched back, flattened ears and recoiling when touched

• Sudden mobility problems, like dragging limbs or limping

• Unexplained bruising, swelling

Take your cat back to the vet immediately if you notice any of these.

Setting up your home after an accident

Once you’ve seen a vet, they’ll likely advise on how you can set up your home to make sure your cat stays comfortable and healthy. If your cat has received treatment or surgery for their injuries, your vet may recommend adding changes like:

Strict containment in their crate

For serious injuries, your cat may need to be contained in their crate for the short-term. This is to help them recover after surgery and prevent them from jumping, climbing and doing anything else that may hurt them.

Creating a calm, safe recovery space

Cats may need to have restricted movement after surgery or just a smaller space where they can’t jump around.

Pick a room they like in the house, and add things like:

• A large crate or indoor cat pen with enough room.

• Non-slip mats around their bed and food bowls, especially if you have a hardwood floor.

• Use low-sided, easy-to-access litter trays.

• Avoid slippery floors and don’t use loose rugs - stability is the name of the game.

• Add comforting items for your cat to rest with, like their favourite toy, a shirt that smells of you and some of their favourite treats.

Supporting mobility

Post-surgery cats can struggle with balance and weakness, leading to a bit more hesitancy when moving around. Dogs can have external support, like harnesses, to help them, but cats typically don’t manage well with these.

To help them, make sure you:

• Keep all essentials in a very small area (bed, food, water) so they don’t have to walk very far.

• Prevent access to stairs, sofas, chairs, windowsills and anything else your cat may jump on.

• Slide one flat hand under their chest and the other under their hindquarters, keeping their spine straight and supported. Your vet can demonstrate this.

Your vet will be able to help advise you further, though, as exact mobility needs and support will vary on a case-by-case basis.

Supportive bedding and sleep

Make sure you have the right bedding to support your cat’s recovery. Again, your vet can advise on this, but ideal bedding includes:

• Beds that are easy for your cat to get into

• Easily washable materials

• Non-slip foundations.

• Soft beds with firm support, like memory foam

Maintaining mental stimulation

Much like humans, the mental side of recovery is important for cats. A cat is much more likely to recover well if they don’t feel bored or depressed, so you should carry on with mental stimulation if physical exercise is too risky.

Some calmer enrichment ideas could include:

• Calm play with toys, like low, slow wand movements (if okayed by your vet).

• Lick mats

• Paw-based puzzle feeders, if safe

• Scent-based activities, like hiding treats near your cat’s bed

Avoid anything that’s too physically exerting, as this can impact your cat’s recovery.

Do you have to stop if you hit a cat in the UK?

Legally, no. The Road Traffic Act 1988 says you only need to stop for certain animals, like dogs, horses and livestock. Not cats.

But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t. As a pet parent, you’ll know how distressing it would be if something happened to your pet. We’d recommend helping any animal in distress, as long as it’s safe to do so.

When are the roads most dangerous for cats?

Dusk, dawn and nighttime will likely be the most dangerous times. While accidents can happen all year round, winter is particularly risky. Colder weather often means cats hunker near car engines for warmth, and low visibility and poor weather often mean more hazardous driving.