Pets are precious. They bring so much pleasure and companionship that it's unimaginable that they might ever be taken away from us. But every year, countless cats go missing from their homes, and only a small percentage is ever recovered.
Cats are notorious homebodies. They are highly territorial and if they are relocated, they are likely to try to go "home" again. Many succeed, with stories of cats finding their way 200 miles and more on their homeward journeys. But it is important to remember these are the exceptions and not the rule. Most cats become disorientated, and the lucky ones will wind up in a local cat shelter or find themselves taken in by well-meaning families who think they've discovered a genuine stray. The less fortunate will find themselves in the pound or will fall prey to cars or predators.
It's horrifying to think that cats of all kinds are stolen every day by people called "bunchers" and then sold to "Class B dealers," many of whom are not particularly fussy about where the goods come from. Most cats are sold to vivisectionists, scientists who use domestic animals for medical research. This can also be the fate of cats taken to the pound. Many of these institutions will keep a cat for only five days. If it's unclaimed in that time, the cat can be euthanized or sold for animal experimentation.
Pet Identification
Given all the possible ways your cat can get lost, even an indoor cat should have some form of identification. Doors do get left open, unfortunately, and cats are exceedingly curious. With these thoughts in mind, there are several identification options available.
Name Tags. Name tags are the simplest and most economical way of providing your pet with identification. A metal tag or note holder containing your cat's name, your name, address and phone number should be attached to a collar and worn around your cat's neck. It's easy for anybody who finds the cat to read the information on the tag and return him to you. With such a device, you also eliminate the possibility of your pet being taken to the nearest pound.
On the down side, some cats find a collar irritating and uncomfortable, and the collar can easily be lost or removed. A collar can become entangled in branches or get hung up on a fence, situations that can cause your pet considerable distress, and could even place his life in danger. Be sure to purchase a breakaway collar for your pet. This special collar is designed to "break" if it gets caught, allowing him to walk away safely.
Microchips. These state-of-the art devices fit painlessly beneath the cat's skin and contain complex information that provides definitive proof of ownership. The information is accessed using a special scanner. What's more, the chip can only be removed surgically.
As with any identification method, the microchips also have some cons. There are various competing devices on the market, all using their own software. Some scanners will only read chips manufactured by their own manufacturer. Many shelters and veterinarians aren't familiar with this technology, or they can't afford to utilize it. Someone finding a cat with a microchip would be unlikely to know if a microchip is present.
Tattoos. A tattoo is difficult to remove. According to an increasing number of pet experts, cats that bear tattoos have a better chance of being returned to their owners than those without tattoos. Tattoos do seem to work to deter thieves, and states are beginning to cooperate with enforcing pet ownership. In Virginia, for example, if you are caught with a tattooed cat that doesn't belong to you, you can prepare to spend up to a year in jail!
Tattoos aren't even expensive. Most are under $20. But be sure to have your pet tattooed by a qualified veterinarian to avoid potential problems. The tattoo should be applied to the cat's abdomen or leg and will cover a small area about one inch by 1/4 inch. To ensure other people will find and be able to read the tattoo, you will want to keep the area clipped and visible.
Tattooing is growing in popularity, but it isn't yet widespread. Not every shelter will recognize what a specific tattoo means and neither will most members of the public. An owner will also want to consider the possible distress that might be caused to their pet by the tattooing process, which would most charitably be described as uncomfortable.
Basic Training
As well as using some means of I.D., it's also a good idea to follow a few simple preventive measures. First, train your cat to stay within calling distance of your home. This is not as difficult a task as it might at first appear. Take the opportunity to walk around the grounds of your house with your cat, then sit outside and call her name every few minutes. When she comes to you, praise her and give her plenty of affection and perhaps even the occasional treat. She will soon learn to come when you call. This routine is very important if you have recently relocated, because your cat needs to learn where her new boundaries lie.
Don't allow her to roam too far at night because this is when she'll be most vulnerable to getting into fights with rival cats, raccoons or other animals. She will also be in danger of being hit by a car and, of course, most thieves prefer to operate under the cover of darkness.
If Your Cat Is Lost Or Stolen
First, check your home thoroughly, paying particular attention to closed cupboards and closets. Comb the area within a two-mile radius of your home, with special attention to sheds and abandoned buildings. Keep recent photographs of your cat to show to people in your neighborhood, especially to those people who spend a lot of time outdoors including mailmen, gardeners, meter readers and children. Posting flyers around the area that have a photograph of your cat with the words "Lost Cat" in prominent letters can also be effective. It might also help to offer a reward for your cat's return, but don't mention how much it will be. Always go to local animal shelters and veterinarians and make sure you check out any emergency clinics in your area. Remember, telephone calls are not enough. If possible, go in person.
Many people place ads in newspapers and contact their local radio and television stations. Many of these sources will have free lost-and-found sections or announcements. You may also want to call the laboratory animal departments of universities and hospitals in your area. You can obtain the numbers from your local Town Hall or from the telephone book. Give them a description of your missing pet, and take some photographs to post in the relevant areas of their buildings. If you suspect your cat may have been stolen, contact the police immediately and file a report. The theft of a pet is a felony or misdemeanor under all state laws and the police must take action on such a complaint.
Finally, don't give up. Persistence can pay off, and there are many cases of owners who are finally reunited with their pets after many months of searching.