Happy Endings

Many cats go missing each and every day. Fortunately in the significant majority of cases these furry bundles of mischief are reunited with their pawrents.

If you’re one of the lucky ones who find they are part of their own happy ending, we’d suggest going over the following action list:

• Make a fuss of your cat – lavish attention on them if that’s the sort of thing they enjoy! But also make sure your let them rest and recharge their batteries. Make sure they have access to plenty of food and fresh water.
• Keep them inside for a short period – if your cat has only been missing for a day or two you may consider keeping them in for a day or two to be sufficient. If they have returned after many months of wandering, keeping them in for a week or two (as you would when bringing a new cat into your home) would seem sensible.
• A quick once-over? – do you think a vet trip would be worthwhile? Again if your cat has been missing for a very short time you may feel a vet trip unnecessary, but if they’ve been away for longer or if their behaviour is in any way different to usual consider a wee trip to your vets for a health check and to put your mind at rest. Also a good opportunity to make sure their flea/worming treatment is up to date!
• Neuter them!! – if they haven’t been neutered/spayed already get it done now! Unneutered cats are more likely to wander and not come home – fact.
• Get them chipped – for the sake of a few pounds, microchipping your cat hugely increases the likelihood of you finding them if they go missing again.
• Share your good news – contact all those people you made aware your cat is missing – lost and found sites, rescues, vets etc – and let them know the good news so your wee one can be removed from their lists. Also take down any posters you may have put up.
• Letting them out again – when you first let them out again:
  • let them out before they’ve been fed – many cats think with their stomachs and are less likely to wander too far from their next meal!
  • little and often – if you can, try restricting their jaunts to short bursts until you’re happy they are back into a routine of returning to you.
  • try and let them out when you’re likely to be home and can have the door open for a few hours.

If you have any questions or would like any further advice please contact the Shelter.