Found a Cat Hit by a Car? What to Do Safely

Pull over only where parking is legal and you can remain clear of moving vehicles; do not step into traffic or stop on a shoulder that puts you at risk. If the cat is in the roadway or stopping would be unsafe, note the location as precisely as you can and call local animal control or the police non-emergency number for help.

Check the product’s listed specifications when evaluating make sure it is safe to stop.

If you can approach safely, look from a short distance for breathing or movement without assuming the cat has died. If there is any sign of life, contact an emergency veterinarian or animal control right away and ask how to proceed; an injured cat may bite or scratch from pain or fear.

Check the product’s listed specifications when evaluating confirm the cat is not alive.

For a cat that has died, contact animal control, a local shelter, or a veterinary clinic to ask who handles found pets in your area and whether they can scan for a microchip. You can also report the location and a neutral description to local lost-pet groups, but avoid posting graphic images or sharing an unconfirmed owner’s information publicly.

Check the product’s listed specifications when evaluating help the cat’s family find out.

If an authority asks you to move the cat and you can do so without entering traffic, wear gloves and use a towel, blanket, or sturdy box rather than touching the body with bare hands. Keep children and other pets away, wash your hands afterward, and follow local guidance on transport or disposal instead of assuming that burial or trash pickup is permitted.

For trips with your own cat, our How to Travel with a Cat in the Car – A Complete eBook Guide for Stress-Free Road Trips with Your Feline Companion covers car travel with a feline companion. In this situation, though, the immediate priorities are roadway safety, getting help for a cat that may still be alive, and giving a family a chance to learn what happened.