Kansas City House Cat Recovering After Close Call with Lawn Mower

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — A local house cat is on the mend after a terrifying run-in with a lawn mower. The incident unfolded earlier this week when the cat sought refuge from the summer heat beneath the mower, leading to a serious injury that required veterinary attention.

The Incident

As temperatures soared in Kansas City, the curious feline found comfort under the lawn mower. Unfortunately, its owner wasn’t aware of the cat’s location when starting the machine. “Her owner had no idea she was under there,” shared a representative from the local animal clinic. The cat sustained a significant cut down its side, requiring 15 stitches to repair the damage.

Veterinary Response

After being treated by the veterinarians at the Pet Resource Center of Kansas City, the cat was sent home the same evening since it is an outpatient-only facility. The clinic representatives reported that the cat is recovering well and will return for a follow-up check-up in the coming weeks.

Related Incidents

This isn’t the first case involving pets and lawn mower accidents at the clinic. Just the previous day, a woman rushed her pit bull to the clinic after her dog had a run-in with a mower. In this instance, the dog had tried to chase down a mower, resulting in severe injuries to its leg. Tragically, after an examination, veterinarians determined that amputation was necessary.

Awareness and Precautions

With rising temperatures, animals often look for cool spots to escape the heat, which can lead them to crawl under lawn equipment, cars, and other dangerous areas. A representative from the Pet Resource Center emphasized the importance of checking underneath mowers and cars before starting them. “Always give your hood a couple pounds,” they advised. “Check underneath, just try to be vigilant before you turn the key on.”

Winter Precautions

This advice holds true year-round; during colder months, pets, especially cats, tend to seek warmth by curling up in car engines, creating a risk if not checked before use.

Community Support

The Pet Resource Center, which assists animals regardless of their owners’ financial situations, encourages local residents to stay vigilant and donate to their cause. These donations help cover medical procedures and ensure that all animals in need get the care they require. “When you donate to us, your donation is going directly to a pet who truly needs it,” they stated.

All animals mentioned in this article are alive and receiving care. The Pet Resource Center frequently encounters such veterinary incidents during summer months and is committed to providing support for pets in distress.