Car owners have been urged to be vigilant before driving off in the morning as cats may be sleeping under vehicles on winter mornings.

Cats love sheltering underneath vehicles or even in the wheel arches

LeaseCar.uk warned drivers to check around their cars to make sure cats aren’t sheltering underneath the vehicle or even in the wheel arch above the tyres.

Cats love to hide under cars and vans as they feel protected against cold winds and biting frosts. They can also gain warmth from the vehicle’s engine if it has been recently running.

But a sleeping cat could be seriously injured or even killed if a car pulls away before they have had a chance to flee.

Tim Alcock from the car leasing specialist said: “We’re asking every driver to spend a couple of minutes checking for any pets that might be lurking around the tyres or under the car.

“If you do find a cat under the car give it a nudge or shoo it away before turning the engine on and gently pulling away.”

He added: “It’s important for all drivers to be aware of this and not just those who own cats. After all, cats don’t just target their owner’s cars for a snooze. Any vehicle is fair game to them.”

Alongside the risk to the cat’s safety, your vehicle could also be damaged, as could neighbour relations.

“So it really is worth taking a few minutes each morning to make sure there are no cats under the car. Unlike dogs it isn’t a good idea to let sleeping cats lie.”