National Lost Pet Prevention Month

Every two seconds a pet parent in the United States is faced with their worst fear when they suddenly discover that their beloved cat or dog is missing. Every year, National Lost Pet Prevention Month shines the spotlight on the 10 million companion animals that go astray each year, with only 1 in 10 ever reuniting with the ones they love.

With millions of pets reported missing each year, and many never returning home, this month serves as a critical reminder for pet owners to take proactive measures to ensure their pets’ safety. We’ve got tips for making sure your cat doesn’t become a lost pet statistics–and ways you can help alert others to the often simple steps they can take to keep their pets safe.

When is National Lost Pet Prevention Month?

National Lost Pet Prevention Month takes place each July. The pet holiday was established by PetHub, Inc. in 2014 and offers families with felines and Fidos the facts they need to keep their four-legged friend from being among the one in three cats and dogs who find themselves lost in their lifetime.

July is an appropriate time for this important awareness holiday. Due to the noise of fireworks, more pets go missing on the days surrounding the Fourth of July than any other time of the year.

How to Keep Your Cat From Getting Lost

Preventing your cat from becoming lost is crucial for their safety and your peace of mind. Here are some steps and precautions you can take to ensure your feline friend remains safe and sound:

Keep Your Cat Indoors: This is the most effective way to prevent your cat from becoming lost. Indoor cats are also protected from various dangers such as predators, traffic, and disease.

Secure Windows and Doors: Cats are curious and can be adept at finding escape routes. Ensure that windows, especially those on upper floors, have secure screens. Be cautious when opening and closing doors, especially if your cat is nearby.

Safe Outdoor Time: If you want your cat to experience the outdoors:

Use a leash and harness specifically designed for cats.
Build or invest in a catio (a patio for cats), which is a secure outdoor enclosure that allows them to enjoy the outdoors without wandering off.

Identification:

Collar and ID Tag: Ensure your cat wears a breakaway collar with an ID tag that includes your contact information.
Microchip: Have your cat microchipped, and make sure to keep the registration details up-to-date. This can greatly increase the chances of a reunion if your cat becomes lost.

Spay/Neuter: Cats that aren’t spayed or neutered are more likely to roam, especially if they sense potential mates nearby. Spaying or neutering can reduce this urge.

Regular Vet Visits: Sometimes cats escape and roam because of medical issues. Regular check-ups can help ensure that any potential health concerns are addressed promptly.

Training: While some cats aren’t always as responsive to commands as dogs, you can train them to come when called! Use treats and positive reinforcement to encourage this behavior.

Secure Carriers: When traveling or going to the vet, always use a secure carrier. Cats can become spooked in unfamiliar environments and might attempt to flee.

Alert Guests: If you have visitors or workers in your home, let them know about your cat, especially if the cat is prone to darting out open doors or windows. Even better: restrict your cat to one room with some new toys and ask everyone to leave that door closed.

Stay Updated: Keep recent photos of your cat and a record of any distinctive markings. This can be invaluable for making “lost cat” posters or online posts if needed.

Know Your Cat’s Hiding Spots: Be familiar with your cat’s favorite hiding spots both inside and outside your home. If they seem to be missing, they might just be napping in a secluded spot.

This happened to us not that long ago! We had looked everywhere (we thought!) in the house for Inca and finally convinced ourselves that she must have run outside when the dogs were going out to potty. We’d already started a search of the yard and around the house when Inca strolled out from a long nap beneath a bookcase we didn’t even realize she could access!

By taking these precautions, you can greatly reduce the risk of your cat becoming lost. However, accidents can happen, so it’s also essential to know what steps to take if your cat does go missing. This includes notifying neighbors, checking local shelters, and utilizing online resources and social media platforms to spread the word.

How to Observe this Awareness Month

During National Lost Pet Prevention Month, various organizations, shelters, and pet enthusiasts come together to:

Promote Proper Identification: Encourage pet owners to have current ID tags and microchips for their pets. This increases the likelihood of a reunion if a pet becomes lost.
Educate on Secure Fencing: Emphasize the importance of having secure fencing and gates for yards to prevent pets–especially dogs– from escaping. This is a good time to discuss catios as a way to let cats enjoy the outdoors without the risks being outside presents.
Raise Awareness About Indoor Safety: Even indoor pets can become lost. Remind pet lovers to be cautious when opening doors and windows and to ensure that screens are secure.
Advocate for Safe Travel: Educate cat lovers about safe travel practices, such as using secure carriers and never leaving a pet unattended in a car.
Share Tips for Finding Lost Pets: Provide resources and strategies for searching for and recovering lost pets, such as checking local shelters, posting on community boards, and using online platforms dedicated to reuniting lost pets with their owners.
Highlight the Importance of Neutering: Un-neutered pets, especially males, are more likely to roam. Educating about the benefits of spaying and neutering can help reduce the chances of pets becoming lost.