Missing Cats
Losing a pet can be a traumatic experience for the whole family.
To minimise the risk of your cat or kitten becoming lost, being run over by a car or being attacked by another cat or a dog, it is recommended that you keep your cat safe indoors or in a spacious and stimulating cat enclosure by day and inside the house at night. At the very least, cats should be kept inside overnight. Protected from dogs, traffic, cat fights and the risk of contracting feline AIDS, we know that enclosed cats live twice as long on average than "outside" cats.
Have your cat or kitten permanently identified with a microchip. More cats lose their lives through lack of ID than any other cause. Micro-chipping is a simple, painless and inexpensive way to have your cat permanently identified. Identification means that owned cats are easily distinguished from stray or unwanted cats. This enables the safe return of lost, stolen or injured pets to their owners.
What to do if your cat goes missing:
Check inside and outside your house thoroughly including wardrobes, cupboards, under beds, behind furniture & appliances. Check inside washing machines & dryers, sheds and garages. Cats can climb into some extraordinary places!
Walk around the neighbourhood calling out to your cat. Check storm water drains & sewers (look down grates & call your cat's name). Check in trees, under bushes & cars.
Ask your neighbours to check their houses, under their houses, garages & sheds. It's worthwhile asking your neighbours to ask their children to keep a look out for your pet too.
Contact local vets, someone may have picked up your cat and taken it to a vet hospital.
Print out flyers & include a photo of your pet. Letterbox drop and place in local shops and supermarkets. Include your first name & phone number.
Call the RSPCA in case someone has taken your cat there. If possible e-mail or send them a photo of your pet.
Place an advertisement in your local newspaper.
Marge was a stray cat who happily found herself a temporary new home, the Hobart Cat Centre.
Upon arrival at the Centre, it became clear that Marge was heavily pregnant. The Cat Centre staff cared for Marge and her six kittens, born soon after her arrival. A wonderful "Mum", Marge became a favourite amongst staff, as did her black and white kittens, all of whom were adopted.
Marge's family was missing her. They conducted a letterbox drop in their neighbourhood and posted a flyer on their local shopping centre notice board. They decided to visit the Cat Centre just in case their cat was there. The family looked closely at the cats in the adoption area but didn't ask about their missing cat. Not seeing Marge they left, unaware that Marge was safe in a special "mother and kittens" quarantine area.
10 weeks after her arrival at the Centre, Marge was ready for adoption. Her photo was posted in the Sunday Tasmanian's "Adopt A Pet" column where she was immediately recognised by her original family. A hasty trip back to the Cat Centre resulted in a very happy reunion.
Marge, back in her rightful home is now de-sexed, vaccinated and micro-chipped ensuring she is permanently identified from now on.
