You may be surprised to find out that your pet could be a hot target for a petnapper. Many pet owners are unaware of this scam due to the subtle ways of petnapping operations. It is not uncommon for millions of pets to go missing each year worldwide, yet the number of reported cases is only a few thousand, which clearly means pet theft is a significant problem.
Pet insurance for cats can help with unanticipated medical care, but is there anything that can help protect your cat from unexpected events like pet theft? The distressing answer is probably not! As much as you care for your furball’s health and have considered the benefits of having a medical backup in terms of pet insurance, reflect on taking sufficient precautions to avoid petnapping incidents.
Here’s a list of tips to help guard your cat against such mishaps. Read this article to learn some hacks that can help keep your cat away from a petnapper’s radar.
- Don’t leave your cat outside for extended periods, whether tied or untied, while you pick things from stores. When you have no choice but to leave your cat outside, double-check the leash to ensure it doesn’t easily slide over the post’s top.
- Leaving your cat locked up in the car is probably something that you want to avoid to keep them safe and sound. Doing so can endanger your furball’s health, and they will be easy prey for petnappers who may not hesitate to break into your vehicle and whisk them away.
- Leave your latest contact details on the ID tag so if someone picks up your lost fur baby, they will not confuse it for a stray.
- At any point, have your cat’s photo profile ready. Don’t forget to take pictures of distinguishing body marks or other characteristics that help you pinpoint your furball. Also, have photos of yourself with your cat that can help prove your ownership of a specific cat.
- It is advisable not to rely on unverified pet sitters or strangers to care for your pet while you are away. Instead, you can reach out to reputed pet boarding houses and consider leaving your cat there during your absence, if not with neighbors, friends, or family.
- Some petnappers watch their target’s routine for many days before executing their vicious plans. Even if it feels like a hassle, consider changing walking routes frequently so the pet napping squad can’t guess your next move and your cat stays more protected.
- Your garden can be a safe area for your cat to explore until a pet stealer’s prying eyes fall on them. Discourage unsupervised outdoor visits as they can bring unwanted troubles.
- Cats on a leash during strolls are less susceptible to pet theft attacks. So, going out for a walk? Don’t forget to take the leash. With this aid, a pet napper’s attempt to steal your fur baby most likely fails because the cat cannot break loose quickly.
- Socialization is a good thing, unless unfamiliar people suddenly ask you too many questions about your cat, specifically name, age, and gender. In cases like that, you should be suspicious and not reveal information, whether trivial or not, relating to your cat.
Try these tips to minimize the chances of catnapping; however, there are fewer ways of stopping a cunning pet stealer out on a mission to grab your cat at the first opportunity. Also, be prepared with pet insurance for cats to handle unforeseen health scenarios as not every lost cat is recovered in the best of health and spirits. Pet insurance helps provide your furball with top-notch medical care during accidents, injuries, particular illnesses, and emergencies. So, why not consider purchasing a pet policy asap?
