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Marin Kitten Survives 85-Mile Journey Inside Engine Compartment

MILL VALLEY (CBS SF) - A stowaway kitten is safe despite traveling from Marin all the way to Santa Cruz inside the engine of a van.

Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter spokesman Todd Stosuy said the cat was probably looking to curl up someplace warm to sleep when it lodged itself inside the engine compartment of a van parked outside a Mill Valley McDonalds at 600 Redwood Highway.

The van's driver had spent the night in his car before making the trip south Wednesday morning. The 8-month-old hung on for the entire 85-mile road trip, which included crossing the Golden Gate Bridge.

The driver heard the cat meow shortly after arriving in Santa Cruz. He popped the hood and found the tabby female crouched inside.

Shelter officials said a microchip scan turned up negative, and officials are still trying to find the animal's owner. The female is very friendly, and was wearing a blue studded collar.

Anyone with information should call the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter at 831-454-7200.

(Copyright 2012 by CBS San Francisco. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

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