Q: Our cat, Felix, 11, was once an indoor/outdoor cat. Then, our vet and your columns finally convinced me to keep him indoors. I think Felix even began to appreciate air conditioning.
Last week, however, our little girl left the door open and Felix wandered outside. We were frantic.
Four hours later, we got a call from the shelter; they'd scanned Felix, found his microchip and our phone number came up. The shelter told us the microchip might have saved Felix's life. Do you think so?
A: Absolutely! The microchip probably did save your cat's life. Because more of us are keeping cats indoors (which I endorse), we assume they'll never get out. As your story illustrates, even indoor cats can escape. At least your cat had some outdoor savvy; many indoor cats do not.
If a cat without a microchip is picked up by animal control (remember, most cats don't wear collars with ID tags), the facility may hold the pet for only a set number of days before euthanizing. Or the cat may be swapped to another facility (a common practice nowadays to prevent euthanizing), making it more difficult for the owner to find. READ MORE >
Lizzy
Lizzy is just the cutest with her adorable small face and slim build. This kittens just loves to cuddle. Gender: Female Breed: Local Colour: Tabby/White Age: 2 months
Grumble
Grumble is extremely communicative. She loves to talk to you and mews to get your attention. If you want a home full of feline chatting, this is the cat for you :) Gender: Male Breed: Local Colour: Tabby Age: 3 months
Orchid
Orchid is like the energiser battery bunny that can go on and on and on. She is quite an active kitten so you must be prepare to have a lot of playtime with this cutie. Gender: Female Breed: Local Colour: Tabby Age: 2 months
Mr Bean
Catchy name! Mr Bean is a handsome kitten with gorgeous, round and soulful eyes that speaks of innocent love and trust. Gender: Male Breed: Local Colour: Tabby Age: 3 months
Sketch
Sketch is a gorgeous dark tabby with a laid back and easy going nature. Gender: Male Breed: Local Colour: Tabby Age: 5 months
Natasha
Natasha has a bit of everything. Tabby, black, white and ginger all rolled into one. Absolutely grorgeous. Gender: Feale Breed: Local Colour: Tortoiseshell Age: 2 months
Mae
Mae sits quietly in a corner and observes you lovingly. How sweet! Gender: Female Breed: Local Colour: Black/White Age: 1 year 6 months
Miranda
Miranda is elegant. You have a winner with this lady. Gender: Female Breed: Local Colour: Tabby/White Age: 1 year
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*The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) is the only animal welfare organisation in Singapore that takes in unlimited numbers of unwanted and abandoned strays and pets. If you are considering pet adoption, or giving up your pet or a stray to the SPCA, try to find the animal a home before contacting SPCA.
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Herpetologist R. D. Bartlett, author of nearly 50 books on reptiles and amphibians, including "Corn Snakes" (Barron's Educational Series, 1999), says, "They're large enough to impress friends but don't have the needs of massive snakes." Read more>
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Arachnologist Rick West of Victoria, British Columbia, warns against impulsively buying tarantulas. There are 850 species, but for pets, only buy those bred in captivity. The most popular are the Chilean Rosehair, Pinktoe (a species that likes to climb - unusual for a tarantula), Mexican Red-Knee, and the 10 ˝-inch Brazilian Salmon tarantula.
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