Keeping Your Cat Safe


by Xeal - Date: 2007-08-09 - Word Count: 464 Share This!

One of the worst things for pet owners to face is the idea of something happening to their furry little friend. They can be attacked by predators, be hit by cars, or run off on their own, never to be seen again.

Unfortunately, millions of cats and dogs enter shelters every year, and of those, only half are adopted. Only 2 percent to 5 percent of cats that enter shelters are returned to their owners, as opposed to 15 percent to 30 percent of dogs.

Here are a few ways to increase your chances of seeing your cat again, should the unthinkable happen.

Decrease their chances of getting away in the first place

Most articles will tell you to keep cats inside, no matter what, because it's safer that way. That may be true, but if you can't bring yourself to keep your kitty cooped up, look into some sort of outdoor containment. There are many in-ground fences for dogs, and now there are a few for cats as well.

These are usually safe for cats once they're older than 6 months and weigh more than 6 pounds, and it doesn't take too long to train them on it. For one example of in-ground cat containment, try the PetSafe Deluxe In-Ground Cat Fence.

Make sure they have identification

Of the pets that are lost, 90 percent of the ones that have identification are returned to their owners. Conversely, 90 percent of the pets without identification never see their owners again.

One of the best ways to ensure your pet will be returned to you, if lost, is to tag them and register them through the Pet Protector System. It costs about $20 a year, but your pet is entered into their nationwide database and you get special tags to put on their collar. If your pet is lost, whoever finds it can call the toll-free number, give the operator your pet's ID number (also on the tag), and the operator will call you to let you know your pet has been found.

Microchipping is an excellent backup to tagging your pet, though not all microchips can be read by all scanners. Tattooing your pet is another backup idea, and you can call Tatoo-A-Pet at 1-800-TATTOOS for a practitioner in your area.

Keep your pets safe

No beloved pet should become a shelter statistic. By taking precautionary measures, you can reduce the chance of your pet getting lost, and if they are, you ensure that chances are much greater of you and your pet reuniting.

Chuck Yost, president of SecurePets.com, is dedicated to the safety and comfort of furry companions across the country. They offer unique and humane safety solutions, like the Deluxe In-Ground Cat Fence. Help your pets enjoy life. Visit SecurePets.com for peace of mind today.

Related Tags: pet safety, cat safety, cat fence

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