Cat registration is something that is becoming more and more necessary in today's society.
Cats can and do wander, even if they are supposed to be kept indoors.
It only takes a moment for a cat to escape, especially if they are on heat.
And when, not if, your cat does escape, is there any way for people to find out who it belongs to? If it is injured in an accident, is there a number where people could call? Many local authorities will take any unregistered cats found on the street to the nearest pound or shelter.
There, they can be legally euthanized as there aren't enough people looking for adult cats to adopt.
Even if you can claim your cat before this happens, there are usually some hefty fees involved to get it back.
It is also an unfortunate fact of life that people will take things that don't belong to them.
And the more expensive the item, the more appealing it is to these thieves.
And this includes our pets, especially the pure-breds who are used in breeding programs.
Cats, male and female, are frequently taken for mating purposes.
Often the males will be dumped once the thieves are sure the female cat has been impregnated.
There are always plenty of other male cats around to breed from next time.
This does happen, and more frequently than you would believe.
There is big money in selling pure-bred kittens on the black market.
By having your cat registered with your vet and/or your local authority, you are ensuring that it will be returned to you if found.
A simple tag with your name and phone number plus the cat's name attached to a collar means you will most likely get a phone call, even from a stranger, who has found your cat wandering.
And often cats will be taken to the nearest vet, especially if they are injured.
You could also go to the next level and have your cat micro-chipped.
All rangers in Australia now carry micro-chip readers and they are required to check each pet they find.
Many breeders micro-chip their cats as the extra expense is worth it.
If you have paid hundreds of dollars for your cat, you want that added peace of mind that micro-chipping brings.
There are new laws being suggested that will require all cat owners to register their pet.
While it will be expensive to implement, I think it is something that has merit.
For me, it comes down to peace of mind.
Knowing my cat is registered and is wearing a collar with a tag with my name and phone number means I won't worry quite as much if she goes missing for a day.
I have seen too many dead cats on the side of the road with no identification on them.
And each time I see one of these cats, I also think of the owners who are looking for that cat.
I also realise that there is no way I can tell them the sad news that it has been found and they can stop looking.
Register your cat as soon as you can.
You won't regret it.
Cats can and do wander, even if they are supposed to be kept indoors.
It only takes a moment for a cat to escape, especially if they are on heat.
And when, not if, your cat does escape, is there any way for people to find out who it belongs to? If it is injured in an accident, is there a number where people could call? Many local authorities will take any unregistered cats found on the street to the nearest pound or shelter.
There, they can be legally euthanized as there aren't enough people looking for adult cats to adopt.
Even if you can claim your cat before this happens, there are usually some hefty fees involved to get it back.
It is also an unfortunate fact of life that people will take things that don't belong to them.
And the more expensive the item, the more appealing it is to these thieves.
And this includes our pets, especially the pure-breds who are used in breeding programs.
Cats, male and female, are frequently taken for mating purposes.
Often the males will be dumped once the thieves are sure the female cat has been impregnated.
There are always plenty of other male cats around to breed from next time.
This does happen, and more frequently than you would believe.
There is big money in selling pure-bred kittens on the black market.
By having your cat registered with your vet and/or your local authority, you are ensuring that it will be returned to you if found.
A simple tag with your name and phone number plus the cat's name attached to a collar means you will most likely get a phone call, even from a stranger, who has found your cat wandering.
And often cats will be taken to the nearest vet, especially if they are injured.
You could also go to the next level and have your cat micro-chipped.
All rangers in Australia now carry micro-chip readers and they are required to check each pet they find.
Many breeders micro-chip their cats as the extra expense is worth it.
If you have paid hundreds of dollars for your cat, you want that added peace of mind that micro-chipping brings.
There are new laws being suggested that will require all cat owners to register their pet.
While it will be expensive to implement, I think it is something that has merit.
For me, it comes down to peace of mind.
Knowing my cat is registered and is wearing a collar with a tag with my name and phone number means I won't worry quite as much if she goes missing for a day.
I have seen too many dead cats on the side of the road with no identification on them.
And each time I see one of these cats, I also think of the owners who are looking for that cat.
I also realise that there is no way I can tell them the sad news that it has been found and they can stop looking.
Register your cat as soon as you can.
You won't regret it.
SHARE
