Wellington cops save kitten from busy motorway

Sergeant Bruce Cook (left), Constable Justin Waayer, and Jam. Photo / supplied.

A Wellington kitten had a close shave this morning after becoming trapped in rush-hour traffic.

Lower Hutt Police were called about a kitten loose on State Highway 2, south of the Petone off-ramp.

Sergeant Bruce Cook and Constable Justin Waayer were called in, as they were the closest unit.

"When we arrived there were five cars stopped in the fast lane, which was causing significant traffic jams, as you can imagine.

"Our first thought was 'oh no, the kitten's caused a crash'. But fortunately it hadn't."

A driver had stopped to help the distressed cat, but the kitten immediately scrambled under the car.

"There were quite a few people trying to find the kitten and get it out," said Sergeant Cook.

"It was certainly having a bad day, in its short life."

The officers managed to charm the cat out of hiding after it took a shine to Sergeant Cook.

He and Constable Waayer then gave the rescued cat a ride back to the station in the patrol car. But the hunt to find any owner was fruitless.

"It's not chipped. I've had a look online to see if it was anyone's lost pet, and can't find it.

"Where it was, the vet said there are quite a few feral cats around there.

"I tried to offer it away, and no one was interested. But by then I was thinking, 'my kids would love that'."

Cook has now adopted the kitten, and named the lucky feline Jam. His children, aged 8, 10, and 11, will have the new addition waiting as a surprise when they get home.

Jam will get a visit to the vet on his way to his new home this afternoon.