No matter how careful you are as a cat owner, your cat may become lost. Without some form of identification, your cat could end up at a shelter.
In 2008, only 10% of cats in the CRD Animal Shelter were claimed by their owners. You can increase your kitty's odds of being returned if they are ever lost, with a form of identification.
Do you have identification for your cat?
A cat ID tag should be one of your first purchases for any pet. CRD Bylaw and Animal Care Services offer free Cat Identification Tags for your pet.
Get your pet used to a collar when they are young, as early as six to eight weeks old, and make sure it fits correctly (one or two fingers should fit under it). A breakaway collar with an elasticized section is best for your cat, because it prevents choking should it catch on something like a tree branch. But since tags and collars can fall off or be deliberately removed, consider an additional and more permanent form of identification for added protection: a tattoo or a microchip.
Some collars can be custom imprinted or embroidered with your cat's name and even your telephone number, which is a great alternative to the typical cat ID tag. Remember, the best collars have a quick release in case your cat gets caught on something, they do not become "stuck."
Keep the information accurate and up-to-date. If you move or change your phone number, and you have a CRD Cat ID Tag contact our office to update your records. The important points to remember when using tattoos or microchips are that the numbers must be listed with the proper registry, and phone numbers and addresses must be kept current.
More Tips on Cat Identification:
- Supplement your cat ID tag with a microchip. Identification tags can get your pet home quickly when found locally. However, if your pet loses his collar or tag, most likely he will eventually end up at the pound or local emergency clinic where the first thing they will do is scan for a microchip.
- Many cats are picked up as "strays" or trapped because they aren't wearing collars, or their collars do not carry any identifying tags.
Remember: Identification is your cat's ticket home. Get him or her an ID tag to help ensure their safety.
Contact CRD Bylaw and Animal Care Services office to receive your free Cat ID tag.