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A city commuter was no doubt startled to find a tabby tucked into the engine compartment Thursday.

A bylaw officer responded to the 10:30 am. call after the motorist discovered the cat after opening to the hood to add more windshield washer fluid.

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tap here to see other videos from our team. Try refreshing your browser, or STOWAWAY: Kitty survives commute from Manotick to Centrepointe in car engine Back to video

But the animal, which is believed to be a stray, wouldn’t come out and instead climbed further inside the vehicle.

The motorist was advised that they could wait for the cat to come out on its own or call in a mechanic.

The little tabby seemed no worse for wear after a trip across town Thursday, but the bylaw department warned motorists to watch for small hitchhikers.

“Small animals may seek shelter from the cold by climbing into the engine of vehicles parked outdoors,” the department said.

“This stowaway refused to come out, but appears to be in good health after travelling from Manotick to Centrepointe.”

The tabby takeaway: If you park outside in the winter, tap the hood of your car before starting the engine to scare off any furry creatures inside.

See a stray cat or dog that needs help? Call 311 or visit ottawa.ca.