Van-Hitchhiking Cat Travels 250 Kilometers From Cork to Athlone Before SuperValu Rescue
In a bizarre cross-country travel saga reported by Cork Beo, a stray feline managed to hitch a ride inside a work van all the way from Cork to Athlone—a journey spanning roughly 250 kilometers. Local veterinary personnel in County Westmeath launched a public appeal to trace the animal’s owners after capturing the elusive moggie near a supermarket three weeks after his initial escape.
The Long-Distance Journey Inside a Work Van
The unusual feline expedition began in June when a tradesman working in Cork discovered a black and white cat had climbed into his commercial vehicle. According to details shared on social media by veterinary worker Lyndsey Kelly Dermody, the driver realized the animal was aboard only after arriving in Athlone, County Westmeath. When the motorist attempted to coax the cat from the warm van himself rather than bringing the vehicle directly to the veterinary clinic, the frightened animal bolted and disappeared into the local area.
SuperValu Sighting and Veterinary Rescue in Athlone
Three weeks prior to the public appeal, local residents spotted an identical black and white cat roaming near the SuperValu store in Athlone, approximately six kilometers away from where the animal originally fled the van. Lyndsey Kelly Dermody managed to safely capture the moggie and secure him at the veterinary clinic. Clinic staff confirmed that the friendly and affectionate cat is neither microchipped nor neutered, and local inquiries have failed to turn up any local owners.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Cork Hitch-hiking Cat
Where was the cat found after his escape?
Staff successfully captured the cat running around a SuperValu supermarket in Athlone, County Westmeath, roughly six kilometers from where he originally jumped out of the work van.
How far did the cat travel in the vehicle?
The feline traveled approximately 250 kilometers northward from Cork to Athlone over a three-hour driving distance.
How can local residents help reunite the cat?
Veterinary staff are asking the public to share the appeal across social media platforms, including the Munster Lost & Found Helpline Facebook page, to help locate the cat’s owners in County Cork.
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