.. Prevent cats from going astray

Words can't adequatetly describe how it feels to lose a dependant companion animal

Prevention is the very best solution although there are no guarentees.

1 • Have a microchip implanted by a vet, rescue centers, vets etc Scan animals brought in to them. This can be the fastest way to bring your pet home if they do wander a little too far.

2 • Spay or Neuter your kitten or cat - sexual instincts often place cats directly in harms way but out of your sight

Cats in season and in search of a mate, become single minded and less aware of the world around them. They range much further afield and are open to losing themselves completely.

Entire animals can mate with other stray or ferals and have offspring.

Kittens born outside to in-experienced - stray domestic pets have little chance and are most likely to starve.

Entire cats can also make a nuisance of themselves by spraying, yowling at night and fighting in the streets. This exposes them to less tolerant members of society, who could decide to take matters into their own hands if they are inconvenienced.

Neutered and spayed animals will not behave in these ways, although many will still defend themselves from entire intruders.

3 • Ensure your pets have sufficient stimulation

Felines with very small or no gardens at all will need other things to occupy them. Toys, scratching posts and activity centers can all help, but there is no substitute for positive-social interaction.

10 minutes of play per day helps keep cat troubles away

Playing with your cat regularly provides important stimulation, this can help to prevent them from wandering off in search of adventure & can also be a lot of fun for us too.

Ensure they eat well & routinely (don't over feed them as health problems could ensue), this will help to keep their focus & prevent hunting needs from rising to the surface. They will hunt for their own meal times.

4 • If you move house,keep your cat indoors for several weeks, so they don't go in search of familiar territory elsewhere

5 • Be aware of approaching holiday celebrations such as guy fawkes night (nov 5th), new years eve and chinese new year (usually celebrated between the 26th jan & 17 feb).

6 • It is advised that cats are kept in after dark, especially in busy or built up areas. Dusk & dawn are active times for cats & instincts can get them in trouble beyond our sight.