Cat-Napping On The Rise In The United Kingdom

Published A Few Days Ago
ADVERTISEMENT

Newly released figures show that cat thievery is alive and well in the UK, with a rise of 40 percent in the number of stolen cats reported.

Cats are a part of our family, and when they are stolen, it’s a family member gone missing. In the United Kingdom, when dogs are stolen, police most always record the breed of missing dog, but that is not typically the case for when cats are reported stolen.

Related:Crazy Cat Maze Proves Cats Can Make Humans Do ANYthing [Video]

Still, when they are recorded, it turns out that there are a few popular breeds that go missing more: Bengals (which are known to be pricey) and the regular old garden kitty, the Domestic Shorthair.

Officials say that the Bengal is most commonly the target of cat thievery, with the Domestic Shorthair and Russian Blue coming in right behind it as highly sought out felines. London, Kent, and West Yorkshire are the places that report the most thefts, and sadly, barely a fifth of stolen cats are recovered (compared to 21 percent of reported stolen dogs making their way home).

Direct Line Pet Insurance claims that in 2016, 261 cats were reported stolen in the UK, and this data shows a 40 percent increase compared to 186 stolen in 2014. Officials believe that the number is actually an underestimate of stolen cats as there are over 360,000 adults in the UK who believe they’ve had a cat stolen from their care in the last year. And, because cats are more ‘free spirits,’ often owners think their cats are missing when it, in fact, could have been stolen.

Bengals and Russian Blues, as well as Siamese kittens, can go for $600 or more and seem like easy money for would-be cat-nappers. Officials recommend that cat owners should contact the local animal control/warden as soon as they’ve checked with neighbors and neighboring vicinities to find their cat. If they can’t find them, it may not be because they’re lost but that they’ve been taken.

Related:Could Your Cat’s Purring Have Healing Effects on You?

They also recommend making sure your cat is microchipped and neutered, and putting this information on the cat’s collar may protect a would-be thief from thinking they were worth stealing. Sometimes, those ‘high-maintenance’ cats aren’t worth the trouble, and a little extra information on the tag may deter a thief.

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

You May Like

No Pooch? No Problem! This Program Sets You Up With A Four-Legged Hiki

Want a dog but lack the time or space? The Hike with Adoptable Hounds program is here to help. I’ve written extensively here on PetGuide about the chal…
Severe Macaw

Severe Macaw is a long-lived pet bird that has a wonderful personality- this fun-loving, cuddly bird will be the center of attention and a family favorite.
Buying Guide: What Are the Best Large Dog Crates?

For some pets, having a crate is a necessity. Read on to find out why crating could help your dog and which large dog crates are worth your money.
Best Spiked Dog Collars

Spiked dog collars are not just a cool-looking accessory: they could save your pet''s life if they are attacked by another dog or a wild animal.
ASPCA Holiday Happenings Benefit Animals This Season

The ASPCA is known for fighting animal homelessness and cruelty. This holiday season, you can help too, with holiday shopping and contests!
Dry Vs. Wet Dog Foods: Which Is The Right Choice? Part 2

Are you thinking about feeding your dog wet food? In the second part of her series, Sabine Contreras, Canine Care and Nutrition Consultant, takes a look at t…
How To Deal With Dog Fights In Your Multiple-Dog Home

Break it up! Sibling rivalry between dogs is common and there’s bound to be disagreements. Here’s how to handle tense situations like a pro. Many…
Pros And Cons Of Retractable Dog Leashes

Are you for or against retractable dog leashes? I''m not a huge fan, but I know pet parents who won''t leave home without them. Here are some pro and cons.
How to Tell If Your Cat Has an Ear Problem

If your cat''s been scratching at her ears, she may be trying to tell you something. Watch for these symptoms of ear infections.
What is Hemangiosarcoma in Dogs?

There are different kinds of canine cancers - one of the most serious is Hemangiosarcoma in dogs. But what breeds does it affect and how can it be treated?
Best Dog Crate End Tables

Dog crate end tables offer all the functionality of regular crates with the added appeal of looking like stylish pieces of furniture.
Should You Get a Kitten for Your Senior Cat?

If you have a senior cat who seems bored or lonely, you might be thinking about adopting a kitten to give them a feline companion. But is this a good idea?
Pharaoh Hound

The Pharaoh Hound is a medium-sized dog with a slim build and a reddish-brown coat. This breed is athletic, but happy to spend the day lazing on the couch.
Understanding The Dog Heat Cycle

Do you have an intact female dog? We''re going to go over the basics about the dog heat cycle, including its various stages and how to deal with it.
Is a Dog’s Mouth Really Cleaner Than a Human’s?

You''ve seen the things that have gone into your dog''s mouth - that''s why it''s hard to believe that a dog''s mouth is really cleaner than a human''s mouth.