Plymouth’s Woodside Animal Welfare Trust has been taking in pets for decades, and while many are bought to the charity due to personal circumstances, lost pets are proving to be a growing area of concern.
This National Microchipping Month, Lisa Darcy, deputy manager, said:
“We could have reunited pets with their owners far quicker if they’d been microchipped.”
With the highest number of lost pets being cats due to their independent nature, Woodside’s telephone incident book has recorded 78 cats as missing in Plymouth and surrounding areas in the last six months.
Perhaps the most obvious method for returning lost felines, a microchip can allow vets and shelters to scan and receive details about an owner and allow a simple reunion. However, it is important to make sure your details are always kept up to date with the database company.
When a pet is lost, owners and members of the public can help too. Here are just a few things you can do when a cat is lost or found:
• Cats can often be lured home by smell. If your cat has gone missing, try hanging out its bedding or placing litter trays outdoors.
• If you suspect a returning cat is a stray, avoid feeding it; they could be an opportunist and may decide that your home is better than their own perfectly good and loving one. They may also be on dietary medication or a special diet, and treats could cause them to become ill.
• Don’t assume that a skinny cat is a stray. Cats can live for over 20 years and, while healthy and well cared for, may not look it. They may also be on medication or have medical issues that can affect their weight.
• While also promoting neutering and spaying, the Trust highlight how entire cats are more likely to distance roam to look for a mate, and can be seriously hurt during territorial fights. It is recommended that your pet is neutered for this reason, amongst many other benefits.
Cats aside, Woodside still cares for 19 different species of pet, and felines aren’t the only animals found and bought to the Elfordleigh Sanctuary.
While stray cats have been in the highest number, Woodside have also taken in other animals who have been found too.
Just this year alone, abandoned or escaped hamsters and rabbits have been taken in, while the charity’s welfare team have also assisted in the capture and reunion of a peacock and lamb with their rightful owners.
To find out more about Woodside’s work visit www.woodsidesanctuary.org.uk or call 01752 347503.
