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 >
Lucius
What a handsome looking dude! He’s so cuddly because of his sheer size! Gender: Male Breed: Local Colour: Black/White Age: 2.5 years
Harumi(ADOPTED)
Harumi is pretty but a little shy. She is looking for an owner who is willing to help her come out of her shell. Gender: Female Breed: Local Colour: Silver Tabby/Tri Age: 4.5 months
Lene(ADOPTED)
Petite Lene love initiating games with her sister April. She is confident but yet not overpowering. Gender: Female Breed: Local Colour: Tabby Age: 2 months
Moo Moo
Moo Moo has a cute round face like a big plate. He is really laid back and relaxed, which a quiet family would probably welcome. Gender: Male Breed: Local Colour: Tabby/White Age: 5 years
Rella(ADOPTED)
Rella is the younger sibling of Cinder, now you know the significance of their names. She is shyer but once comfortable, suckles to show her contentment, trust and love. Gender: Female Breed: Local Colour: Tabby Tri Age: 4 months
Leila(ADOPTED)
As you can see, Leila has a gorgeous round face to go with that equally gorgeous personality
she has. Gender: Female Breed: Local Colour: Tabby/White Age: 2.5 years
Bugsy(ADOPTED)
Bugsy has slim limbs that make him look like an athlete. He’s a real purr ball! Gender: Male Breed: Local Colour: Tabby/White Age: 4.5 months
Sophie(ADOPTED)
Sophie darling has a pretty face and a big heart for anybody! Gender: Female Breed: Local Colour: Tortoiseshell Age: 2 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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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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