Cat Microchips to Fund Feline Research

For every new cat microchipped and enrolled in the HomeAgain Proactive Pet Recovery Network during June, July and August 2008, HomeAgain will donate $1 to the Winn Feline Foundation to further feline health research. The lost pet recovery service hopes the program also will encourage more cat owners to outfit their pets with proper identification.

“No question, microchipping saves lives, ensuring far more lost cats are reunited with their families,” said Dr. Susan Little, Winn Feline Foundation president. Microchipping, plus enrolling in a database of microchipped pets, is the only permanent form of identification.

“HomeAgain knows that, in our database, cats are underrepresented in comparison to the number of lost and found cat reports we receive,” said Steve Shell, HomeAgain vice president and general manager. “We are pleased to partner with Winn to help spread the word about the importance of permanent identification for all cats while supporting important veterinary research to enhance the health and longevity of our feline friends.”

Little added that microchipping can become invaluable during natural disasters or emergencies, when pets can become separated from their families. “I also believe that people with indoor-only cats think their cats will never get out,” she said. “Unfortunately, that’s just not true.”