Second Chance: Tags Are For Cats Too

23 Sep Second Chance: Tags Are For Cats Too

As a homeless cat that here at Second Chance Humane Society, I’d like a brief chat with all pet parents about getting your putty-tat a collar and tags. Other than the obvious reason for having tags, like being quickly reunited with your lost cat, there are several other ways a tag comes in handy. For example, a tag lets someone know I’m not homeless, but could be lost.

Moose

Here are a few more tag “bennies” for added encouragement.

Getting home quicker – Even though I am now micro-chipped, like all Second Chances cats, these devices are only detected by veterinarians and shelters, not by humans who may find me if I ever get lost. (And not all humans who find cats bring them to shelters or veterinarians to scan a microchip.) Even a micro-chipped cat needs a tag.

Safety features – Some tags are reflective, which means they help save lives at night. While the safest place for felines at night is indoors, some owners do allow their cats to explore the great outdoors, often giving them indoor/outdoor options. If your feline is a nocturnal explorer, you should definitely consider a reflective collar or tag.

Hunting deterrent – While we are natural-born hunters, our favorite types of prey are rodents (and we cats don’t know rodents carry a number of dangerous, and potentially deadly, types of diseases). The jingling noise that many tags make on collars cuts down on the number of critters we are able to capture.

Peace of mind – Some people are hesitant to assist stray animals in distress. I could be injured, but unless I have a collar with tags, folks might not want to pick me up if I’m lost or in trouble because they think I’m feral or wild. Cat collars and tags give everyone the peace of mind. It’s all about knowing a cat belongs to someone, is missing, and loved.

Style and comfort – Last, and in my personal opinion most importantly, there’s tons of comfortable styles of collars out there to enhance my good looks. There are even some “smart” tags available that  allow you to link to an online profile with contact information. If someone does encounter your lost cat, with a smartphone, important information is available Internet to help reunite you and your putty.

Think of an ID tag as a first-class ticket home if your furry friend – dogs too – ever becomes lost. It’s a small investment that ensures your pet’s safety and increases the odds of being found if the unforeseen should occur.

Purrrfect!

And speaking of perfect, my name is Moose. I come with a big personality, yet have a nice calming energy for balancing any home…Who needs Xanax when you can have some Moose purrs.

My canine pal Sylvie, who definitely never wants to be homeless again. She is as sweet as they come and in a nice compact frame that makes her a great travel and hiking companion.

Sylvie

Editor’s note: It’s no secret. The Telluride region is dog heaven. Well, pet heaven. Unless you are one of our furry friends who gets caught in the maw of neglect and abuse. Then heaven is on hold until Second Chance Humane Society comes to the rescue. Second Chance is the region’s nonprofit dedicated to saving animals’ lives and promoting responsible pet parenting and human-animal bond. In her weekly blog, executive director Kelly Goodin profiles at least one, generally two of the many animals now living at the no-kill shelter, Angel Ridge Shelter, a dog and a cat, hoping to find them loving permanent homes. The column is sponsored by Ted Hoff of Cottonwood Ranch & Kennel, who from time to time exercises his skills as a dog whisperer, partnering with Kelly and her staff to help train a particularly challenging animal.

Ted Hoff &  Magnificent Mae

By the by, there is no better place to park your pup than Cottonwood whenever you head out of town (for locals) or are heading to town and staying somewhere that does not allow pets. Consider joining Ted’s Very Important Dog (VID) Club for added benies. (Details on Ted’s website.)