Kitten Survives 800-Mile Ride Under Car, Heads Back to New Jersey for Adoption

Q: After surviving an accidental 800-mile relocation, how will rescuers safely transport this miracle kitten back to its new family?

Rescuers have not announced a final travel plan, but the safest likely option is to send Jersey back to New Jersey as a standard pet relocation: after his Sept. 1 neuter, microchip and vaccinations, he would travel in an airline-approved carrier under the care of a person, or by carefully supervised ground transport. That approach fits both the facts of his case and standard rescue practice. Jersey is now in foster care, has already been examined by a veterinarian, and only had minor, treatable issues — an upper respiratory infection and coccidia. Before any trip, rescuers would want him fully recovered, medically cleared, and documented for transport. If he flies, best practice is for him to ride in the cabin beneath a seat in front of a passenger rather than as cargo. Rescue groups commonly use this method because it allows constant monitoring, climate control and immediate pickup on arrival. His microchip, vaccination records and likely a health certificate would help ensure a safe handoff to Jadyn Sawyer’s sister and her fiancé, who plan to adopt him. If ground transport is chosen, the emphasis would be on a secure carrier, temperature control, regular monitoring, food and water stops, and keeping the trip as low-stress as possible. In short, Jersey’s return will almost certainly be the opposite of how he arrived: planned, documented, and closely supervised from departure to pickup.

3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Aug 22

A roughly 10-week-old kitten named Jersey was found alive under a student's car after an 800-mile trip from New Jersey to the University of Georgia on Aug. 10.
UGA police called Campus Cats volunteers, and mechanics at a nearby Tires Plus lifted the car, removed the front driver's-side tire and pulled the kitten free from a tight space.
A veterinary exam the next day found no major injuries, only a minor upper respiratory infection and coccidia; rescuers said the kitten was initially scared but is now playful and affectionate.
Jersey is staying in a foster home and is due to be neutered, microchipped and vaccinated on Sept. 1 before being adopted by the driver's sister and her fiance in New Jersey.
Cat behaviorist Rita Reimers said kittens often crawl into vehicles for shelter or protection and urged drivers to bang on the hood before starting cars, especially where outdoor cats are common.