Cats: Preventing Cat Theft

The free roaming nature of cats make them easy targets for thieves and unless a cat is kept indoors it isn't possible to ensure that it is kept secure at all times.

Microchippping

Should a cat be stolen microchipping ensures that the cat it is identifiable and helps in the return to its rightful owner. Microchipping involves having a mircrochip injected into the skin in the cat's neck by a vet and when a scanner is passed over the microchip in the cat the identification appears on the scanner and can be matched with the record on the computerised national PetLog database allowing the owner to be traced and the cat returned.

Identification Tag

Although a collar and identification tag with address and phone number are easily removed if a cat is stolen, stating on the tag that the cat is microchipped may act as a deterrant against theft.

Photographs

In the event of theft of a cat recent photographs can help to publicise its disappearance and help others in identifying the cat if seen. Therefore recent photographs of a cat from both sides, and the front, together with photographs of any distinguishing marks can be extremely helpful in tracing a cat that has gone missing.