Crews Rescue Frightened Cat Stranded On New Jersey Highway

MIDDLETOWN, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- A frenzied feline caused quite the commotion after it was spotted clinging to a median divider on a New Jersey highway over the weekend.

Police found the frightened gray tiger-striped cat on the concrete barrier of Route 36 Saturday afternoon as cars sped by in both directions.

Middletown police stopped traffic near Thompson Avenue in Leonardo to retrieve the animal, but the panic-stricken cat jumped into the undercarriage of the police car.

Authorities shut down several lanes of the highway for about an hour as animal control and a tow truck mechanic worked to free the cat, Middletown police wrote on their Facebook page.

Crews freed the animal, which was left unharmed.

"The compassion and concern demonstrated by everyone involved in this animal rescue was truly commendable," the department said.

The cat didn't have a micro-chip and wasn't wearing a collar or tags. It has been placed with the Humane Society.

Police are asking for the public's help in locating the cat's owner. Anyone with information should call the Middletown Health Department at 732-615-2095.

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