Lost cats less likely to get home than dogs, data shows
Only 40 lost cats were returned to their homes last year.
Lost cats are almost three times less likely to be returned to their owners than lost dogs, data from animal welfare charity Battersea has revealed.
The data also showed that 59 per cent of cats that were brought into its shelters last year were not microchipped, compared to just 21 per cent of dogs.
This has meant that only 40 lost cats were returned to their homes last year, while microchipping has led to 474 dogs being reunited with their owners.
The data comes after the Government introduced new legislation which means it is compulsory for cats in the UK to be microchipped. The new rules mean that cat owners have until 10 June 2024 to microchip their pet and ensure up-to-date contact details are stored on the microchipping database.
Bridie Williams, rehoming and welfare manager at Battersea’s London cattery, said: “At Battersea, we know that losing a pet under any circumstances is a unique kind of pain. That’s why we were delighted to see the Government announce that all pet cats will soon have to be microchipped by law – legislation that we know will go a long way in ensuring more happy pet-owner reunions.
“However, we sadly still see many unchipped cats arriving at our centres, with no way of knowing whether these animals are strays or simply much-loved pets who have wandered too far from home.”
Battersea is urging cat owners not to delay with microchipping their cat or updating microchip details, as not doing this can leave them unable to reunite them with their pet if it arrives at one of their centres.
Bridie Williams said: “We’d urge owners not to wait until 2024 and speak to their vet or local rescue organisation about getting their cat chipped straight away. It is without doubt the most effective way of sparing yourself any future heartache in the distressing scenario they do go missing.”
Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.
