How to Keep Your Cat Safe
09 November 2017
Last year, Cats Protection, Neighbourhood Watch and the RSPCA put together some useful advice on what to do if you think someone is acting suspiciously around cats in the area.
The was in response to a number of high-profile incidents involving suspicious cat deaths in Croydon, Cheshire and the West Midlands, with chief executive of Cats Protection Peter Hepburn having said:
"We hope that if we can encourage neighbours by providing some simple advice on what to look out for, and what to do, then we can help to minimise future instances of cruelty towards cats."If you are concerned about any suspicious activity towards cats in your area, Cats Protection and Neighbourhood Watch advise the following:
- If you believe someone is acting suspiciously towards cats in your area then alert your local Neighbourhood Watch, neighbours and report your concerns to the local community police officer and/or the RSPCA via their cruelty line 0300 1234 999
- You may want to consider working together with your neighbours to set up additional monitoring in the area and publicise this to help dissuade anyone from antisocial or criminal behaviour
If you can, safely make note of the following:
- Description of the individual
- Times when suspicious activity took place
- Number plate/description of car (if relevant)
You may also want to make notes on any CCTV cameras in your area which may have captured images and could be accessed.
There are things that cat owners can do to help minimise the chances of your cat becoming a target. These include:
- Keeping your cat indoors at night
- Ensure your cat can be identified, either by quick release collar or ideally by microchip
- Help to avoid unwanted litters and reduce roaming by ensuring your cat is neutered
- Consider taking out pet insurance to give you peace of mind and the financial means to treat your cat should anything unexpected arise
- Take photos of your pet so you can put up posters if they go missing
For more information,
download the Cats Protection guide to keeping your cat safe.