Cat Protection: Better safe than sorry

When you think what cats can get up to, it’s astonishing that only about 12 per cent of cats in the UK are insured (some estimates put it as low as 7 per cent)!  All sorts of unexpected things can happen when you have a cat – it’s part of the fun!  Having cat insurance can’t prevent Felix getting into scrapes, but at least it can give you some peace of mind.

But of course, even if you do have cat insurance, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take some basic precautions to keep your cat safe.

·        Get your cat microchipped.  Some cat insurance policies insist on this, or give discounts if you have it done.  Cats are prone to wander, and are extremely inquisitive.  They have even been known to climb into strange cars or lorries to investigate, and end up hundreds of miles away.  An identity chip is the easiest and most permanent way of reuniting you with your pet.  At around £20 it’s well worth while.

·        Keep your cat in at night.  This is the subject of a lot of argument!  Many perfectly responsible cat owners believe their pet should be allowed to wander at night.  But this is the time when your cat is most likely to be stolen or be involved in an accident.  In fact, statistically, most road accidents involving cats happen at night.

·        If you live near a busy road, consider whether you should have a cat in the first place.  If you decide to keep your cat as an indoor cat, make sure you have plenty of space, and toys for stimulation.  Don’t take on an adult cat as an indoor cat if it has been used to going out in the past – it will find this very stressful.  If you have a garden you can get a portable cat pen where your cat can enjoy fresh air and a change of scenery.