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As a pet owner, one of the worst things you can experience is your pet going missing, and it can be especially concerning during the winter months when it’s freezing cold and there’s less daylight.

With this in mind, Catrin George, Animal wellbeing expert at Animal Friends Pet Insurance has shared some steps to take to give yourself the best chance of reunification if your cat unfortunately goes missing, as well as what to do if you come across a lost pet.

1. Report your cat missing
   

The most important step you should take as soon as you believe your kitty is lost is to report them as missing to your microchip database to ensure that if your pet is found and their microchip is scanned by a vet or local authority, you’re able to be reunited quicker.

1. Utilise social media
   

Social media is a fantastic tool allowing you to reach the masses at the touch of a button, there are many Facebook, Instagram and other social media pages dedicated to reuniting lost and stolen cats with their owners, as well as local resident groups that are full of people that might be able to help.

It’s important to ensure you’re being safe whilst posting about your lost cat on social media, for example, never include your address on any public posts. Post clear images of your cat, any significant markings that could help identify them, plus the best way to contact you if they’re found.

If your cat has insurance, it’s always worth checking if your policy offers a lost or stolen advertising or reward benefit to help you increase your chances of being reunited.

1. Call local vets
   

If your cat is found, the individual who found them should take them to the nearest vet who will scan their microchip. It’s worth ringing around any vet offices in your local area to flag that your pet has gone missing, and check whether any cats of a similar description have been brought in since you last saw them. You can also call local rescue centres too as some also help with lost pets.

1. Revisit the area where you last saw them
   

While it may be a long shot, posting flyers in the surrounding areas will help raise awareness and alert fellow animal lovers to keep a look out and get in touch if they see a similar-looking cat.

What to do if you find a lost cat:

If you see a pet looking lost, with no owner around, there are some steps to take to ensure you can help reunite them with their loved ones.

Catrin says: “It’s heartbreaking to see an animal in distress, but if you find a lost cat, you can make a real difference by helping them back to their owners.

“A lost cat can be frustrated, scared and stressed, and as you don’t know them, be very careful as to how you approach them as you don’t know how they might react. If you’re able to slowly approach a lost pet and they’re happy to cooperate, try and get them into a cat carrier to ensure they don’t run away, and take them to the nearest vets.

“The vets will be able to help with scanning for a microchip, which will hopefully lead to contacting the owner, and reuniting the pooch with their family.”

The importance of microchips:

Catrin shares: “The main thing we would like pet owners to take from our advice is to ensure that your pet is microchipped and that your contact details are up to date on the microchipping database. The law to microchip cats is coming into effect in June 2024.

ENDS

Notes to Editor

1. https://www.gov.uk/government/news/treasured-pets-now-safer-as-microchipping-for-cats-becomes-compulsory

Media contacts:

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About Animal Friends

Animal Friends Insurance is a multi-award winning pet insurer. Founded in 1998, the company was built with the sole aim of providing industry leading pet insurance and first-class animal care to create a better life for every animal.

Our policyholders have helped donate over £7.8 million to more than 700 animal charities and conservancies around the globe, giving £1 million in 2022 alone. By educating and inspiring others to act on current events and responsible pet ownership,

Animal Friends is driving positive change for animal welfare and conservation.

As one of the UK’s largest pet insurance providers, Animal Friends offers cover for dogs, cats, and horses (including rider insurance) with a range of different policies available, covering over 1 million pets nationwide.

To learn more about Animal Friends Insurance, visit: https://www.animalfriends.co.uk/

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