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 >
Axel(ADOPTED)
Axel loves playing with his siblings and he’s a really nice brother too! Gender: Male Breed: Local Colour: Tabby/White Age: 4.5 months
Pinky
Pinky and sister Kinki love people! Being the more adventurous one, she gives her sister the confidence to ‘explore’ new things! Gender: Female Breed: Local Colour: Tortoiseshell Age: 5 months
Chase
Chase is special. He may be getting on in years but he makes up for it with his affectionate ways. Gender: Male Breed: Local Colour: Black/White Age: 5 years
Nico
Sweet and pretty boy Nico deserves a loving home! Gender: Male Breed: Local Colour: Black/White Age: 2.5 years
Kiwi
Kiwi is cool and cuddly. This is one handsome cat. Gender: Male Breed: Local Colour: Ginger Age: 2 years
Shamus(ADOPTED)
Shamus is cute! He loves people totally! Gender: Male Breed: Local Colour: Tabby/White Age: 2 months
Bunny(ADOPTED)
It’s strange that a kitten is named Bunny, but this boy is unique. He’s a super softie who loves falling into the arms of people and be cradled all day long! Gender: Male Breed: Local Colour: Ginger Age: 3 months
Kitty
Kitty is very observant and is ever-ready for a game of fetch. He will grow up into a handsome young man soon. Gender: Male Breed: Local Colour: Tabby Age: 5 months
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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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