What would you do if some dark night, your beloved cat failed to come home? This truly is a cat parent’s worst nightmare. Some cats are prone to wander and might be alright, but should your cat go missing, having a clear, secure ID tag can help ensure their safe return. In honor of National Pet ID Week, we thought we would shine some light on how ID tags can keep your cat safe should they wander away, become disoriented and lost, or get picked up by a well-intentioned neighbor.
Even indoor cats get out sometimes, so be sure your cat has an ID, a safe, secure collar, and a microchip.
A Cat’s Nature Makes Them Vulnerable to Go Missing
Cats are very independent creatures, and many of them have their own agenda. So, it isn’t uncommon for them to wander off for a day or two. Most of the time, though, they come back home before anything bad happens. In fact, “10 million dogs and cats are lost or stolen in the U.S. every year. One in three pets will become lost at some point during their life” according to the American Humane Association.
Many “lost” cats come home on their own, and many are found by their human parents searching the neighboring areas. But what if neither of those happens with your sweet feline friend?
What Happens When Your Cat Wanders Off & Gets Lost?
Most cats eventually come home on their own within a few days. However, if you have recently moved, you lost your cat while taking them somewhere in your car, or you have an indoor cat that escaped through an open door or window, they are less likely to find their way home all by themselves. This is where an ID tag can turn a disaster into relief and a reunion.
So, where are so many cats that have wandered away from home and how can an ID tag make a difference for a cat escapee?
1. The cat found a “new” home.
As they wander the neighborhood, some kind souls think they are lost and offer them a tasty meal. Depending on circumstances, your cat might decide to hang out there and enjoy the handouts.
A tag on their collar will alert good Samaritans that the cat has a home and needs to return there.
2. The cat got injured.
If your cat is injured, they might not be able to get home on their own. A tag with your phone number allows the person that finds your cat to call you so that you can get your cat and take them to a veterinarian for any needed care.
