Conference misery::feline_v1

2784.0. "Electronic cat finder ??" by NISSAN::STIMSON (Thomas) Sun Aug 20 1989 16:54

         	

         We have recently relocated with our two cats, Tiger and
         Blackie, to a (relatively) rural area in Mass. Tiger 
         and Blackie are primarily indoor cats, but are allowed 
         outside under supervision, that is, constantly watched. 
         When outside, they must wear their harnesses. To the
         harnesses are attached long strings which are either 
         held, tied to a tree, or let loose. The latter works 
         because the strings are easy to see, and will quickly 
         become snagged in the brush if they stray into the woods. 

         Still, we are worried that someday we will look around and 
         no Tiger or no Blackie, - the pussy having wandered off into
         the woods never to be seen again, perhaps to become 
         dinner for a friendly fisher. Even when securely tethered,
         our cats CAN get out of their harnesses, unless they are so
         tight as to choke the animals. And once loose, they can 
         move VERY fast. Blackie, especially, is impossible to 
         see in the dense bushes.

         I have been hoping for some time to see advertised a 
         cat collar containing a miniature radio transmitter which 
         would emit a modulated or pulsed signal that could be tracked 
         with a directional receiver, similar to those used to 
         track wild animals in scientific studies.  Certainly
         the peace of mind of knowing that if our cats disappeared, 
	 they COULD be found, would be worth the price of the hardware.

         Has anyone ever heard of an "electronic cat finder" 
         (radio collar for cats)?

                                            

    
    
    		I recently read where the Humane Society
    		is implanting a microchip subcutaneously
    		in the adoptees (between the shoulder blades)
    		for identification purposes. Supposedly it
    		doesn't hurt the little guys and acts as their
    		ticket home if they get lost. Wonder if something
    		like that could function in this capacity?
    
    							kim  *8^}
    

    How about building the two cats there very own outdoor enclosure?
    You could have access to it through a doggie door, so that they
    could go at whenever they wish, but they wouldn't be able to get
    loose.  I have seen ads in the cat magazines for pre built enclosures,
    but I am sure you could build a nice one yourself for less money.
    
    Jo

    Jo,
    
    I like your idea.  I had a *greenhouse* outside my sliders just for
    that purpose.  Unfortunately, we had it torn down.  I intend to build
    a screen-in enclosure for them in the same area.
    
    Really a neat idea.
    
    Sandi (mom to Lightning, DejaVu & Thunder)