1. Be sure that your
cat wears
a safe collar with an identity disc firmly attached, clearly printed
with
your name and phone number. Make sure that it is neither too tight nor
too loose. If too loose the cat can get its front leg caught in it
causing
distress and possible injury. If you move house don't forget to update
the identity disc. (A very safe collar is used by the CPL in
England.
Further details about obtaining these collars can be had by contacting
Cats' Aid at Box 2874)
2. Always keep your cat in at
night and,
if you have a cat flap make sure it is locked for the night. Cats
frequently
go missing when left out at night and are often the victims of road
traffic
accidents. If you experience difficulty in getting him in, do not allow
him out after his evening meal - he will soon become accustomed to a
fixed
routine, settling down happily for the night.
3. Have your cat neutered.
Neutered cats,
both male and female, are far less likely to roam.
4. When transporting cats
always use a secure
pet carrier. It is asking for trouble to carry your cat, no matter how
docile, in your arms. A cardboard box is also inappropriate - a
frightened
cat will easily find a way out. A surprising number of cats are lost
going
to or from the vet surgery.
5. If you are going to be away
for more
than a day or two and unless a responsible member if the family will be
in the house, book your cat into a reputable cattery. Your vet, will
probably
have boarding kennels or be able to advise you. Make the booking in
good
time and be sure that vaccinations are up to date. It is not advisable
to ask a friend to come in and feed your cat during your absence. He
does
not know that your absence is temporary and will often go looking for
you
or other human company, go too far and get lost, be stolen or be the
victim
of an accident. This is very traumatic for your friend, for you and
particularly
for your cat. We get numerous calls every holiday time saying "when we
returned our cat was missing."
6. If there is no one at home
for long periods
on a daily basis, be sure your cat is not left without access to the
house
where he has his bed, food and water. If you live on a very busy road
or
if it is not a very safe area, e.g. unsupervised dogs, leave your cat
indoors
until you are there to supervise his forays into the garden.
7. If there are workmen in the
house either
book your cat into a boarding kennels or ensure that it is securely
locked
in a room with food, water and litter tray. Cats can be very upset by
strangers
and noisy activity and one cannot rely on workmen to keep doors and
gates
closed. Don't even think about getting a new cat or kitten if there is
renovation work going on or envisaged in the near future.
1. Compose a leaflet
giving a good
description of your cat, age, sex, whether neutered, colour, noting any
distinguishing features and, if possible, Including a recent
photograph.
Make photocopies and leaflet the entire area, not just your road but
all
the surrounding area. People soon forget a notice in the shop window
but
tend to focus on a leaflet through the door. Ask local shops to display
one in a prominent position, also the local vet, surgeries, supermarket
notice boards etc. Contact the DSPCA on a daily basis.
2. Advertise in the press and
continue to
put ads. in after the initial three days. Cats have been found months
after
being lost, mainly due to their owners' perseverance.
3. Ask neighbours to check
sheds and garages.
If there is construction work in progress in the area check carefully
and
alert the builders.
4. Go around the roads calling
him by name
and also using whatever method you use to call him to meals e.g.
banging
a tin or glass.
5. The corporation garbage
disposal men
are usually very helpful and sympathetic and will be able to give you a
description of any cat, victim of an accident, that has been found in
the
area. Knowing that you cat has died is heartbreaking but preferable to
not knowing where or how he is.
6. Don't give up hope too
soon; keep searching
and follow up every lead.
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