In light of the recent horrific attacks on cats on the South coast, Cats Protection is urging cat owners to consider taking the following sensible steps to help keep our pets safe:

1. Keep cats in during hours of darkness

Sadly, most cats get injured or killed during the night when there is the increased threat of road accidents, theft and also physical attacks, similar to those recently reported. Keeping cats in during hours of darkness helps to keep them safe.

2. Ensure cats are neutered and microchipped

Neutered cats are less likely to wander off for days at a time, get lost and get into fights. Most cats involved in RTA’s are unneutered toms. Neutered felines make happier, healthier pets.
Microchipping offers cats a safe and permanent method of identification and increases the chances of a lost or injured feline being safely and quickly reunited with its owner. It is important that owners’ contact details are kept up-to-date on the relevant microchip database.

3. Encourage cats to stay close to home

If a cat is content within his own environment, he is more likely to stay within his own home and garden. A garden design which takes a cat’s needs into account will result in a happier pet, happier homeowner and happier neighbours. Cats Protection’s leaflet, ‘Cats and Gardens’, provides practical ideas for creating a cat-friendly garden, plus information on a variety of humane deterrents to help keep unwanted feline visitors out of gardens.

4. Remain vigilant to possible acts of cruelty

If an act of cruelty against a cat is witnessed, inform the police and the RSPCA in England and Wales, or SSPCA in Scotland as soon as possible and, if possible, try to get veterinary assistance for the animal quickly.