Full Breakdown
Stowaway Kitten Rescued After Long Ride from New Jersey to Georgia
8/22/2026, 8:50:54 AM
Rescue on a College Campus
A roughly 10-week-old kitten was discovered wedged beneath a car that had traveled hundreds of miles from New Jersey to the University of Georgia campus. Student Jadyn Sawyer noticed the animal’s leg dangling from the vehicle and alerted UGA Police, who called the nonprofit Cat Zip Alliance – Campus Cats for assistance. Volunteers arrived, lifted the car on a service lift, removed the front tire and freed the kitten, later named “Jersey.”
Health Check and Immediate Care
Veterinarians examined the kitten the following day and found it healthy aside from a minor upper-respiratory infection and a common intestinal parasite (coccidia). After the rescue, Jersey was placed in a climate-controlled area, received treatment, and was moved to a foster home where he is being prepared for neutering, microchipping and rabies vaccination in early September.
Adoption Plans and Return to New Jersey
Kelly Bettinger, founder of the rescue nonprofit, said Sawyer’s sister and her fiancé plan to adopt Jersey and bring him back to New Jersey during the first week of September, arranging a safer transport than the accidental stowaway journey.
Expert Insight on Feline Hideaways
Rita Reimers, a certified cat behaviorist based in North Carolina, explained that kittens often crawl into vehicles seeking shelter, noting that “cats can hide in the smallest little places.” She advises drivers to check under their cars, especially in areas with outdoor cats, by tapping the hood before starting the engine.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I'll admit my heart dropped at first as I thought the kitten wasn't alive, but thankfully he cried and moved when I touched his leg,” — Kelly Bettinger, of Cat Zip Alliance - Campus Cats
- “Cats can hide in the smallest little places,” — Rita Reimers
- “Now we have to figure out the logistics to get him back to New Jersey the first week of September, in a much safer and more comfortable way than as a stowaway.” — Kelly Bettinger, of Cat Zip Alliance - Campus Cats
