My cat has gone missing

It is always very difficult for an owner when their cat goes missing, but it is important not to give up hope. The first thing to do should your cat go missing is thoroughly search your house and garden, looking in warm spots (under beds, in cupboards, behind wardrobes). When searching call out your cat's name and use strong food smells to lure him out. Ask neighbours to check their sheds, garages and outhouses for signs of your cat too.

If your search proves fruitless start phoning around local veterinary surgeries (an injured cat may have been handed in), phone local animal rescue organisations and the local council. Put up lost cat posters in your area (use a photo if you have one and include a telephone number). You could also consider placing an advert in the local paper, offering a reward could encourage more response. Don't give up, cats can reappear many months after disappearing.

What behavioural signs does an unneutered tom display

Unneutered toms tend to be larger and generally more confident than neutered males. They tend to maintain a large territory area, as they will cover a large area looking for females that are coming into season. Because it is so important for toms to maintain a large territory to reproduce, they are more likely to fight with other cats and leave urine spray marks inside or outside.

When can a female cat start reproducing?

Puberty usually occurs around five to eight months in cats, although it can happen as early as four months and as late as 18 months depending on the breed of cats. Cats Protection recommends neutering both male and female cats from four months of age. However, it is important to note that the vet responsible for your cat will specify when they are prepared to carry out the neutering operation (usually between four and six months of age). Your vet will consider each case on its own merits.