Stowaway in 2,000 mile cat nap

A runaway cat had a hair-raising trip after she travelled 2,000 miles from Turkey to Kent hidden in a lorry.

The six-week-old kitten used one of her nine lives to survive the gruelling road journey which began in the Turkish capital Ankara.

The tabby cat, named Yonda, was only discovered nine days later when workers from logistics company Davies Turner emptied the delivery trailer at a depot in Dartford.

Another cat was also found on board but was seriously ill and died.

Yonda has now been sent to the Animal Inn near Deal, Kent, where she will spend six months in quarantine.

Cats Protection, in Croydon, south London, plans to rehome the feline and has launched an appeal for funds to pay for her quarantine costs.

Heather McCann, of Cats Protection, said: "Yonda has had quite a journey.

"She was apparently very timid and frightened at first, but thanks to the vigilance and kindness of everyone at Davies Turner, she is now doing well in the comfort of the Animal Inn.

"We can only imagine she jumped into the trailer to find somewhere warm to sleep. I'm sure she never expected to wake up in England.

"We're now appealing to the public for funds to help pay the remainder of Yonda's quarantine fees and the costs involved in looking after her while we seek to find her a loving new home."

Staff at Davies Turner have contributed more than £230 and Ekol, the Turkish company which owns the trailer, have given £385 towards the cat's care.

Cats Protection is seeking funds to cover the remaining fees and costs of rehoming Yonda.

Donations can be made through the charity's national helpline on 03000 12 12 12.