The Vets and the police all have micro-chip scanners and use them regularly!
The indoor/outdoor cat debate is a difficult one and there is no right answer.
Personally, and this is in Qatar only, I think that purebred or desirable cats (persians, siamese, long-haired) should be kept inside as they are very tempting to some people. Unfortunately we live in a country with very little respect for animals and there are some people that see a cat they like and will take them home. We've had this happen on several occasions over the years and if your cat's not micro-chipped it's difficult to prove it beongs to you.
However the majority of cats are fine to go outside. Cat flaps are a great way to give your cat some freedom but let them come and go as they please. Obviously cats in apartments are different and should be kept inside unless they have permanent access inside.
I don't think it's a good idea to put your cat outside and lock it out. If you do want a cat that can go outside, make sure there is always access into your house or maids room where they can come for a/c, water and shelter as they need to.
We do recommend, however that when you have a new cat, it should be kept inside for a minimum of 2 weeks before slowly introducing it to the outside. Kittens shouldn't be outside unless supervised by someone.
The Vets and the police all have micro-chip scanners and use them regularly!
The indoor/outdoor cat debate is a difficult one and there is no right answer.
Personally, and this is in Qatar only, I think that purebred or desirable cats (persians, siamese, long-haired) should be kept inside as they are very tempting to some people. Unfortunately we live in a country with very little respect for animals and there are some people that see a cat they like and will take them home. We've had this happen on several occasions over the years and if your cat's not micro-chipped it's difficult to prove it beongs to you.
However the majority of cats are fine to go outside. Cat flaps are a great way to give your cat some freedom but let them come and go as they please. Obviously cats in apartments are different and should be kept inside unless they have permanent access inside.
I don't think it's a good idea to put your cat outside and lock it out. If you do want a cat that can go outside, make sure there is always access into your house or maids room where they can come for a/c, water and shelter as they need to.
We do recommend, however that when you have a new cat, it should be kept inside for a minimum of 2 weeks before slowly introducing it to the outside. Kittens shouldn't be outside unless supervised by someone.
www.qaws.org