WITHOUT A TRACE
Losing a much-loved pet is heartbreaking especially when, as an owner, you never receive the 'closure'of knowing what actually happened to them.

Every owner dreads losing their pet. Most of us have experienced the feeling of relief when our pet strolls in after being away for just that little bit longer than usual and tucks into their dinner as if nothing has happened!!

Cats in particular are natural wanderers, curious about the world and keen to explore, so it's not suprising that so many go missing. Most return to their owne comfortable bed and familiar dinner-dish. However, it can be a traumatic for owners whose animals disappear for weeks and months. There's a special grief in losing a animal when you never do discover what became of them and are left imagining what might have happened.

MICROCHIPPING IS A MUST
When a stray cat comes into our care the RSPCA will check to see if the cat is micrchipped to see if it can trace the owner. We have reunited cats with their owners through this system and the majority of vets will micrchip at a cost of between £10 and £20. TAKING ACTION Some RSPCA Branches operate a 'Lost and Found Register' in their local area. All persons can report to us when they see a 'missing animal' poster in their neighbourhood so that we can keep the details on our website and hopefully match up the animals with their owners.

HOW TO KEEP YOUR ANIMAL SAFE
You cannot stop a cat from exploring its world and it would be cruel to try.

However, they are less likely to disappear if:-
1. They are happy and secure at home, with plenty of toys and stimulation
    Some cats get lost after a house move, which can be stressful for them.
2. Have they been neutered. Unneutered tom catstend to roam over a wide area looking for 

    females and are more likely to to get lost, as well as get into fights and be injured or

    even killed on the roads.
3. Are they microchipped or at least wears a quick-release safety collar with your

    phone number on.
4. Neighbours know the animal belongs to you.

WHAT TO DO IF YOUR PET GOES MISSING:-
1. Design flyers with LOST CAT/DOG/RABBIT in large letters and a photo in colour if

    possible include the animal's name, markings, and characteristics, e.g. 'nervous' or 'friendly'.

    Say whether the animal is male or female where they come from and where they were last

    seen. Ask everyone to check garages, sheds or anywhere else that they could be hiding.

    Add that you want to know even if the worst has happened. State if you are offereing a reward.
2. Display flyers on community noticeboards and in shops and vets surgeries up to five miles away. 

    Attach them to lamp-posts, trees, etc. but remember to laminate or cover with plastic to

    protect the poster from the weather.
3. Contact your neighbours and and let them know your pet is missing and ask them to check

    their sheds/garages. You could even contact your local newspaper and radio station.
4. Contact your local Vets, all local animal charities, Pet Search. You local council may keep

    details of animals found or injured on the roads so give the cleansing department a call too.
5. Alert early-morning risers i.e.milkman, paperboys, postman.
6. Remember to check roadsides, hedges and ditches.
7. Check the website www.ukpetsearch.freeuk.com  |  Kidderminster RSPCA
8. If you find your pet don't forget to thank the people who have found it.

Keeping your cat indoors from dusk, as cats tend to wander offacross the roads when they are quieter then when traffic builds up the next day they can't find their way back. it is also a good idea to leaflet a wide area, and to put a landline number on your flyer rather than a mobile to encourage people to call.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU FIND A CAT
Don't assume it's a stray! Many cats love to visit their neighbours and if the feline in your garden is friendly and seems well-groomed, well fedand cared for, the chances are that they have a home. Get to knowlocal animals and their owners in the area so that you can recognise any strangers.

If they seem hungry, scruffy, un-cared for ad keeps hanging around then ask your neighbours about any missing pets.   You could put found leaflets through their doors, contact your local RSPCA, Cats Protection League, Celia Hammond Branch or ask your vet's advice. Contact Us

If your pet is not found don't give up hope - pets can be re-united with their owners months after they disappear. Don't torment yourself with fears about might have happened, cats in particular are great survivors and most of us know people who have given homes to animals who have turned up on their doorstep.

If you have lost a pet please register your details (Click This) - and fax it direct to TAILS