Take caution – pussy alert

The automotive industry in Japan is urging drivers to thump their bonnets before starting up to wake any moggies having a kip in or under the car.

The “neko ban ban” scheme, which translates as “cat knock knock”, was first launched in 2015, but has recently been going viral on social media.

Below is Nissan’s video, starring an assortment of furry felines. In addition, the company encourages motorists to place a custom-designed bumper sticker on their vehicles to support the campaign.

By the end of January, there had been a million posts on Twitter and Instagram with the hashtag #猫バンバン or #NekoBanBan.

Mazda has also updated its owner’s manuals to request drivers check no animals are using areas of cars as shelters. And the Japan Automobile Federation advises motorists to tap the bonnet, honk the horn or place cat repellent near vehicles.

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