Tips to keep your cat safe

A prevention plan that'll keep your cat safe

The best way to keep your cat safe is to take a few simple steps to help prevent them from getting lost in the first place.

• Create a safe, contained space: A secure indoor environment, cat run or enclosed outdoor area can reduce the risks associated with roaming. Make sure the space also gives your cat opportunities to climb, hide, scratch, play and rest. You could also consider harness & leash training to give you and your cat some quality time outside the house.
• Get a collar and tag: If your cat safely wears a suitable collar, an identification tag can give someone nearby a quick way to contact you.
• Get them microchipped: Microchipping can help you and your cat be reunited if they’re found and taken to a vet, council or animal welfare organisation. Keep the registered contact details current.
• Get them desexed: Desexing can help reduce the behaviours that can lead to cats becoming displaced, such as fighting and straying. Generally, a desexed cat has a smaller territory, keeping them closer to your home.
• Consider a location tracker: A tracker such as an Apple AirTag may provide extra location information if your cat goes missing. AirTags use Bluetooth and Apple’s Find My network rather than GPS, so they have limitations.

You can also explore PetRescue’s strategic feeding guide for one approach to supporting a safe-at-home routine, and our existing cats and AirTags guide for more information about that technology.