Kitty chips working well

By Shaun Inguanzo
WORKERS at Keysborough’s animal shelter say the recent Christmas and New Year period was one of the shelter’s best yet – thanks to microchips.
But the number of cats and kittens without homes is still high and the Australian Animal Protection Society (AAPS) Keysborough shelter is now appealing for potential cat owners to look to its stocks for a feline friend.
AAPS vice president Jill Womersley said the shelter was desperate to find homes for its cats and kittens.
“I don’t think people are desexing their cats,” she said.
“So they (the cats) keep breeding more than once a year, which means we are continually getting cats in.”
Ms Womersley said the shelter would help match the cats with caring families.
“We would like our kittens and cats to go to good people,” she said.
“We say family members should not be under five years of age for kittens, because the kids can be a little rough with them.
“But what we have to do is match the cat with the people when they come in.
“We do our best to make sure our animals go to the right home.”
Ms Womersley said the shelter did not receive many dogs and that those it did receive were microchipped.
As a result, Ms Womersley said shelter staff were able to identify the owners and return the pets almost immediately.
Microchipping will become compulsory from 1 April for all newly purchased pets.
The shelter is reminding pet owners to update their pet’s microchip if they change their address.
To adopt a shelter cat or dog, phone the Keysborough Australian Animal Protection Society on 9798 8044.