Pet Theft Awareness Day is designed to raise awareness of potential dangers in your area, but you should always be alert.
It might seem like a strange idea to you, someone kidnapping your cat… After all, what kind of psycho goes around kidnapping cats? Why would they take them? Can’t they just get their own cat? Why do they want yours?
Well, if the UK Cat Killer is any reference, it’s that there are just mean people out there. There are people who will willfully disobey the law and take your pet with no thought to your feelings, but there are ways you can fight back.
How Do Cats Get Stolen?
It’s a rarity that indoor cats get stolen from their own home. Thieves find it much easier to simply scoop a feline up on the street or in someone’s backyard – whatever opportunity they can find.
Your outdoor cat likes to prowl the neighborhood; it’s only natural. Cats have a territory that they need to protect, and the only way to do that is by walking the yard (so to speak) every day. That’s when thieves can swipe them and sell them for a profit.
Who Are These So-Called “Cat Thieves”?
There’s been some debate about pets being stolen and sold to laboratories, but the main reason for pet theft is to make a quick buck selling them online or to a pet store. Other more unsavory uses, such as using cats for cult sacrifices or meat for consumption, have no solid statistics.
How Many Cats Are Stolen Each Year?
There’s no figure I could find for cats alone, but Petfinder estimates that up to 2 million pets are stolen each year. However, the California Biomedical Research Association contends that this figure is WAY off.
We also have to take into account that some pets simply run away, get lost, or are hit by cars. Some generous soul might think that your cat is a stray and adopt them into their home (that’s still theft, but they aren’t doing it knowingly).
What’s important is what you can do to prevent your cat from getting stolen in the first place.
Keeping Your Cat Safe
Amongst the whole messy debate about whether cats should be strictly indoors or not, the fact remains: your cat is less likely to be stolen if you keep them inside.
If you absolutely must let them outside:
- Keep an eye on them at all times; it only takes a few seconds for someone to steal your pet
- Consider buying or building a catio/cat run
- Leash-train your cat to go on walks or trips to the park
Cats who live indoors tend to live longer, healthier lives. Give it some thought.
Microchipping
Microchipping is a great option for pet owners, and it’s relatively inexpensive. We just got Misha microchipped for under $50. While this won’t install GPS in your cat, any animal shelter your cat is turned in to will scan them for the chip. Make sure to register your cat’s microchip online or by mail so they have your contact information.
GPS Collars
Yeah, they actually exist. I’ve always seen them as clunky, but they’re great for outdoor cats. The only bummer is that a thief could easily take the collar off, so you should also have your cat microchipped with a physical ID tag.
Lock Your Doors
You should do this even when you’re home, in my opinion. Lock your doors when you leave your pet home alone to ensure no one will walk in and take them. Even better? Have a home security system.
Report Suspicious Activity
If you see anyone or anything suspicious in your neighborhood, report it IMMEDIATELY. Get to know your neighbors and their pets; this way, anyone you don’t normally see with George’s dog will paint the odd picture it should. I’m not saying “be paranoid” – I’m saying you should be “in the know”.
Keep Pictures Of Your Cat (Preferably With You In Them)
Nothing says “this is my cat” like an Instagram collection of pictures of you two cuddling up. That being said, do keep some printed photos handy. Pictures should be up-to-date if you’re handing them over to the authorities. I honestly have hundreds of pictures of my cats on my phone… maybe that’s too many.
Pet Theft Awareness Day In Your Community
If you can, take the time to educate your community on the dangers of pet theft. Talk to your friends, neighbors, co-workers and vet’s office about what you can do to help prevent pet theft.
Here are some helpful resources for finding lost pets:
- 7 Top Tips For Finding A Lost Cat
- Tales & Tips About Lost Pets From A Pet Detective
- ASPCA Mobile App Helps Pet Parent Find A Lost Cat
There are several neighborhood cats that roam around, some with collars and some without. I can tell that they’re well cared for, but always wonder how their humans aren’t worried.
I had no idea. Thanks for writing this post.
You’re welcome. And thank you for commenting!
It’s unfortunate that we even have to talk about this! I have known people whose pets have been stolen right from their backyards. In my area, the biggest threat is dog fighting rings. They want dogs, cats, and any other animal they can get their hands on to use as bait for their fighting dogs. Keeping your cat inside your home is great advice!
I know! You’d think the basic human principles of dignity would make someone think twice about stealing someone else’s pet, but some people are just cruel. That’s why my indoor kitties will remain indoor kitties. I can’t take any chances!
Someone stole my. My little kitten during the nite. This was my first little feline I recused her during the hottest time of the year she was only 4 months old black and white she was so lovable. My entire family love and adore Jag. Everyday we hope and pray she return home safetly soon.
Oh honey, I’m so sorry! I can’t imagine how hard this has been for you. I hope Jag will make it home safe and sound and that you can give her lots of cuddles and love. *fingers crossed*
My cat was stolen but the police and animal control wers able to get him back to me. His name is Ozzy and he was exploring when our neighbor from across the street (we didnt know he got out) took him in and posted him on neighborhood board. Since we were new to neughborhood we didnt see it right away and she gave the cat to a women named Emily Dodson who claimed she would keep him until someone claimed him and if not give him a home. She refused and my cat was gone a total 4 days before i got him back. Her son Joel Dodson posted a pic of him (then deleted it) and anyone who tried to contact them about ozzy was blocked . I was shaking, crying and dry heaving. when i got him back he did nothing but eat,drink, and sleep for 2 days. He seemed mostly normal after a week. He hides more than he used too and gets freaks if i step outside with him to get fresh air. I am tramatized and i think he ha s anxiety but not sure. The women was reported(by me) but didnt get charged because she gave up the cat since we had proof she had him & proof of ownership. She was facing a misdemeanor had she not handed him over to officer. I feel she should still be punished and want to alert people of her crime, not sure how. Ozzy is chipped now and stays inside 98% of the time. Not sure i can afford gps tracker. Still bothering, glad i read article but still unsettling
A microchip is a great way to recover your cat should they be surrendered to a shelter or the police. Unfortunately, people like this woman can get a hold of cats. Here in Minnesota, there is a state law that says you must wait a week to formally adopt a cat that has been found. I’m not sure whether there are any laws saying you have to put up posters or notify local animal shelters and authorities that you found the cat, but that’s what we did when we found Izumi. I’m so glad you got your cat back, and I think it would be prudent of me to write another blog post detailing what the rules are if you’ve found a cat who’s missing their owner. I hope that in time you and your sweet kitty will recover from this. Try to see the positive side: you were reunited with your cat, which is rare in cases like this. You’re together again. You’ll get through this. 🙂