Cats running away is extremely common, especially when the weather is mild. The escapades of these solitary, adventurous animals can be very stressful for owners. How can you avoid ending up in this kind of situation?
Several Possible Reasons
Territory is very important to cats. They like to mark out their space, large or small, and patrol it regularly. Still, they often wander beyond the limits of their territory for several hours or several days. Why? There are several possibilities you should consider.
1. The mating instinct
One possible reason is that your cat has picked up on a male or female cat in heat nearby, and it's mating season.
An unneutered male cat may then wander off for a few days to join a potential mate. The same can happen with a female following her natural urges.
2. The hunting instinct
Another trait of cats is their amazing hunting instinct , which is in their genes. If your four-legged friend can't find enough prey to their liking in their territory, they won't hesitate to hunt next door. Note that their need to hunt can be satisfied by playing with them.
3. A sudden change, such as moving house
Cats love routine and their habits: it reassures them. A sudden change like a move can upset them. They then have to rebuild their landmarks and their territory, and earn respect from the other animals in the neighborhood. It's even harder if there are other cats nearby threatening their territory.
They may then run away to try to get back to their old, more familiar and safer territory.
4. A second adoptive family
A cat isn't as loyal as a dog: they'll go wherever they get a warm welcome. If one of your neighbors regularly gives them kibble or treats and plays with them, that home can quickly become their second home.
Don't worry, they still know the difference between their main and second home. Still, if you can't find your pet for several days, it doesn't hurt to knock on your neighbors' doors to check they're not there.
Possible Consequences of Running Away or Going Missing
Your furball going missing, even briefly, shouldn't be taken lightly. There are real risks: they'll always exist, but it's important to minimize them.
1. Their physical safety at risk
If your cat ventures into unknown territory belonging to other animals, they risk being attacked by them. This can lead to injuries, more or less serious, requiring care from a vet.
2. Health problems
Your cat is also quite likely to catch diseases, especially if they're not fully vaccinated.
By mixing with other animals, they can catch feline AIDS (FIV), typhus (feline panleukopenia) and other more or less serious diseases. If your furball regularly goes outside, at least make sure their vaccinations are up to date.
3. Going missing
This is what most pet owners dread. A cat is lost every 10 minutes in France. Cats can get lost, be hit by a car, get stuck somewhere, or simply be unable to come home because of disabling injuries, for example.
How to Prevent Running Away and Going Missing
Fortunately, there are several preventive measures you can take. Let's look at how to reduce the risks as much as possible.
1. Neuter your cat
2. A microchip and a personalized collar for identification
Since the 1st of January 2012, all cats born in France must be identified, by electronic microchip or by tattoo. The microchip is effective for identifying your pet with professionals such as vets, who have the equipment to read the chip's information.
However, an ordinary person can't read a microchip. That's why it's essential to have your pet wear a personalized collar . You'll find them in our store, where you can have your phone number and your cat's name engraved for free. That way, anyone can bring your lost or injured companion back to you.
3. Gently get them used to a new place or new habits
As we explained earlier, moving house can really upset your cat. So it's essential to reassure them and gently get them used to their new routine, while being there for them.
Keep as many of their old habits as possible, with the same toys, bowls, furniture... Their sleeping spot matters a lot to them, so it's best to keep the same bed or cushion they used to nap in.
4. Other tips
You can put netting on your windows to stop them escaping that way. It's a very inexpensive product and easy to find. Another very effective solution is to get a GPS cat collar. A tracker is attached to it and lets you follow your cat wherever they are.
To get your cat used to a new territory, you can also walk them on a leash in the garden or the surrounding area, and let them roam on their own once they've found their bearings.
One last tip: let your neighbors know you have a cat who may slip outside.
As you can see, there's no miracle solution, but if you follow our advice, you'll greatly reduce the risk of your cat going missing. If that helps you feel less stressed about this very real danger, it's a win! It's a risk to plan for ahead of time, because once the problem happens, it's too late.Also worth reading: Why Monitor Your Pet With a Camera?
