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A heartbroken household is pleading with Milton Keynes drivers to be ‘more mindful’ after their cat was discovered lifeless on the roadside.
The Leib household, from Shenley Lodge, say their ‘worst fears came true’ after they acquired a name from an area vet to say their cat Monty had been killed on the highway.
Molly Leib described it as the decision ‘that broke their hearts’.
The feline had been taken to the vets after been discovered lifeless alongside the V4 Watling Street.
Molly mentioned: “For us, the impact has been incredible sadness that we’ll never be able to cuddle our lovely boy again, and gratitude that he was in our lives for just over six years.
“I am also thankful that I had him microchipped.”
She defined a stranger had discovered Monty on the roadside and wrapped him in a blanket and brought him to the vet.
She added: “I hope the driver who hit him is ok. I’ll never know if Monty suddenly ran out in front of the vehicle and didn’t give the driver a chance or the driver was distracted in some way.
“But, I’ve got to question, why are so many of our cats ending up this way? It seems to be weekly, if not daily, that a post goes up on the local Facebook group about a cat being run over – and that’s just one estate.”
She mentioned the primary highway had been a ‘huge worry’ and solely let Monty out after their first two years within the space.
She added: “I don’t think owners should have to be mindful of letting their cats out as I think cats should be free to live their best life outdoors – as Monty did.
“I would love for drivers to be more mindful when on the roads and be focused and presents when driving – especially to animals that might run out or be on the road. I’ve seen several cars swerve to avoid potholes.
“I just wish less cats and hedgehogs ended up this way.
“If this message has the impact of stopping the heartbreak of at least one other cat owner then that will be job done.”
Cats Protection’s Head of Advocacy, Campaigns and Government Relations Madison Rogers has careworn the significance of getting a cat microchipped – one thing which shall be made obligatory in legislation from June 10.
She additionally urged drivers who injure a cat to take them to a vet for emergency therapy or report it to their native authority if it’s a fatality.
She added: “We’d also encourage local councils to scan any cats they collect so their owners can be informed, as it’s heartbreaking for owners to not know the fate of a lost or missing cat.”
Madison confirmed cats, in contrast to dogs, have a degree of freedom to roam in contrast to dogs which should be saved on leads on the general public freeway.
She added: “However, cat owners do have a general duty in law to take reasonable care to ensure that their cats do not cause injury to people or damage to property. Equally the law does protect cats from being harmed by others.”
The charity has suggested the next steps to assist preserve cats protected across the roads:
- Keep cats in throughout midnights – Cats are at elevated threat of highway accidents after dusk, subsequently attempt to preserve your cat indoors in a single day and time meals to coincide with rush hour to assist preserve your cat away from busy roads.
- Ensure cats are neutered and microchipped – Neutered cats are much less prone to roam looking for a mate, decreasing the chance of them venturing in direction of roads and turning into concerned in automotive accidents. Microchipping provides a protected and everlasting technique of identification ought to your cat turn out to be misplaced or get hit by a automotive.
- Put a reflective collar in your cat – To assist drivers see your cat higher on the roads at evening, you can suit your cat with a reflective collar that can shine within the beam of headlights. Make certain the collar is a ‘quick release’ or snap opening collar, so your cat received’t get harm if their collar turns into caught on one thing.
- Take out pet insurance coverage – If your cat is concerned in an accident on the roads, they might want pressing veterinary therapy and pet insurance coverage will assist cowl the cost.
- Encourage cats to remain near home – if cats are content material inside their very own surroundings, they’re extra prone to keep contained in the boundaries of their very own home and backyard. Ensure there may be loads of meals, water, a non-public litter tray, scratch posts and cozy locations to cover and sleep. Plant cat-friendly vegetation corresponding to catnip and lavender, present logs for scratching and lengthy grass to laze in or nibble to assist cough up hairballs. Be conscious of toxic substances in your shed and storage, corresponding to antifreeze, disinfectants, insect and pest killers and preserve them properly out of your cat’s attain. Avoid vegetation which could be harmful to cats. Lilies particularly could be deadly if a cat ingests pollen from its fur after brushing towards them. A full listing of vegetation which can be harmful to cats could be discovered here.
- Further particulars about retaining cats protected could be discovered here.
