How Many Cats Get Hit by Cars Each Year? What We Know

There is no reliable single annual count of cats hit by cars, so we cannot give you an exact number that applies everywhere. Many incidents are never reported to a central authority, and totals can differ depending on whether they include pets, unowned cats, injuries, deaths, or only cases seen by veterinarians.

Check the product’s listed specifications when evaluating how many cats get hit by cars each year.

A cat that roams outdoors near traffic faces a different risk from one that stays indoors or uses a secure enclosure, but even a normally indoor cat can run into danger if a door opens unexpectedly. Driveways and parking areas deserve attention too, especially when a cat may be resting near a vehicle or moving behind it.

Keep your cat indoors or provide a secure outdoor space, and make sure everyone in your household knows to close doors and gates carefully. Before moving a car, look around and beneath it, then check that your cat is safely away from the driveway rather than assuming you know where they are.

For travel, place your cat in a secure carrier before opening the car door, and keep the carrier secured in the vehicle so your cat cannot move around the cabin or bolt during a stop. Our How to Travel with a Cat in the Car eBook guide is a resource to consider if you are planning a road trip with your feline companion.

If a cat has been struck, contact a veterinarian or emergency veterinary clinic immediately, even if the cat can walk or appears calm, because serious injuries may not be obvious. Approach carefully, as an injured cat may bite or struggle, and use a towel and carrier to move them only when you can do so safely.