Take precautions to prevent your cat from getting loose
If you are careful opening and closing the doors of your home, be aware that others who visit may not be as careful and take precautions so your feline does not escape and become just another lost statistic.
Keep in mind if a guest lets your cat out, the animal will already be fearful, and felines under stress are not always predictable. When you call or follow after them, they may not respond to your voice or their name being called. Plan ahead to avoid a disaster.
The simplest precaution is to secure the cat in a room with the door closed. You can do this when you have invited guests and repair services done in the home. Repair workers are apt to not be watchful of your animals even after you remind them of the their presence.
They may have to go in and out frequently to get tools and supplies. Depending on the work being done, it usually means the doors are wide open to bring in larger items.
Inside cats rarely have collars and tags with identification. Many owners that do put these collars on use the breakaway type so their cat will not strangle itself if caught by the collar.
Once the animal has escaped from the collar, what good is it? Harnesses with identification tags are a more sturdy plan. Consider traveling by both car and plane with a harness with an identifying tag and a leash.
A cat cannot escape from a true T-harness. Even though your cat is in a carrier when in the car or at an airport terminal, plan for the unexpected accident. If you are involved in a car accident the animals may be loose and escape if a window is broken. You have a handy, safe way of controlling your cats when they are. wearing their collar and leash.
Since 9-11, security measures have intensified at all check points. Security may ask you to take your feline out of its carrier to search it. If your cat is on a leash and harness you can prevent the animal from running free through the airport.
If you are concerned that a harness is not a permanent solution to finding your pet if it gets lost, tattooing may be an option. A number can he injected with indelible ink just under the animal's skin. This number is then given to a registry that keeps a database of tattoo numbers and the owner's information.
Some vets provide microchipping. The coded chip is placed under the animal's skin. Not all animal hospitals provide the service or have the scanner to read the chip so, practically speaking, the chip may not always be useful in finding a pet.
Lastly, spay or neuter your cat. Your cat is less likely to want to explore the big outdoors if it is altered. Once the hormonal urge is eliminated, felines are less likely to want to leave their safe, happy environment.
Adoptables
• Brandi is a black-and-white female with medium length fur, who is only about a year old. She and her sister June were both rescued from an outdoor life by one of Buddy's volunteers. They were afraid at first but have become friendly. They currently share a "three-room condo." Brandi enjoys chasing small balls around the floor and being brushed and petted, frequently requesting belly rubs. And, if given the opportunity, she will be more than happy to curl up in your lap. June is more reserved than her sister and prefers relaxing in the condo, but doesn't object to a little attention. The two of them would be a wonderful pair for any loving family.
• Frito is a male black-and-white cat who is about 4 years old. Frito and Cheddar were adopted from Craigslist by a someone who already had a cat but who was informed by his landlord that he could only keep one, so Frito and Cheddar came to Buddy looking for a new home. They both were adopted together, but one of the members of the family turned out to be allergic to Frito's long fur, and he came back alone. He is a very friendly, playful cat that enjoys sitting in the window watching the birds.