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 >
Orio(ADOPTED)
Orio is really sweet inside and out. Her beautiful fur coat is sure a head-turner when she goes for her walks! Gender: Female Breed: Jack Russell Terrier Colour: Black/White Age: 1 year
Max(ADOPTED)
Max looks like a wise and happy canine friend. He is absolutely affectionate and cuddling him gives comfort to anyone. Gender: Male Breed: Golden Retriever Colour: Gold Age: 7 years
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Zeke resembles a medium size Jack Russell. He’s alert and a really nice boy. Gender: Male Breed: Cross Breed Colour: Tan/White Age: 2 years
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Our dear Mike is so good looking! He has a gentle spirit and is extremely friendly. Gender: Male Breed: Beagle Colour: Tri Age: 1 year
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This 12 year old cross- shih tzu is a really nice dog. He is friendly and has a wonderful temperament. Gender: Male Breed: Cross-Shih Tzu Colour: Fawn Age: 12 years
Goldie(ADOPTED)
Goldie is not demanding; she prefers to sit by your side quietly while you take a rest. She is good for someone who stays in an apartment. Gender: Female Breed: Cross Silky Terrier Colour: Gold Age: 4 years
Mat Mat(ADOPTED)
Mat Mat has the cute looks of a really cuddly doggy but he really is quite a man. He loves familiar faces and totally lights up when he sees one. Gender: Male Breed: Maltese Colour: White Age: 2 years
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Risa has cute white paws and a gregarious personality to boot! Gender:Female Breed: Cross Breed Colour: Red Age:2 years
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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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