Two steps to take if you have a cat that frequently goes missing
If you have a pet cat that tends to wander off on a regular basis, here are some tips that may be of use to you.
Arrange for your cat to be microchipped
If your cat loves to roam and often goes missing, it is extremely important to take them to a veterinary clinic that provides pet microchipping services and have them microchipped.
The reason for this is as follows; if your cat gets lost during one of their explorations of the surrounding area, the presence of a microchip under their skin, which contains a digital code that is linked to your name, will increase the chances of your pet being returned to you.
If in this situation, a stranger comes across your cat and attempts to reunite them with you, it will be much easier for them to do so if your pet is microchipped.
All they will have to do is take the cat to a vet clinic, where its microchip will be scanned. This simple procedure will provide the clinic with your name and phone number or email address, and they can then get in touch and arrange for the collection of your pet.
Conversely, if this stranger takes your pet to a veterinary practice only to find that they are not microchipped, it will be very difficult for them to identify your cat and return him or her to you.
Tell your neighbours not to feed your pet
If you're frustrated by how often your cat goes missing, then it's worth taking the time to tell your neighbours not to feed your pet. You can do this in person, or alternatively, you can post flyers that include a photo of your cat and some text around the local area.
The reason for this is as follows; when people spot a fluffy, cute cat wandering through their garden, they will often pet it, offer it some food and even let it take a nap in their home.
If this is the case in your neighbourhood, your cat may begin to 'visit' these properties in order to get some extra treats and attention (they may do this even if you feed them plenty of food and are affectionate towards them). If the residents of these properties let them, your pet may decide to stay away from home for several days.
However, by making it clear to your neighbours that your cat does not require feeding, you should be able to reduce the frequency with which your cat goes wandering off.
