Newspaper Article 2009 – Device keeps tabs on roaming tabby

Device keeps tabs on roaming tabby

by Mark Story

If you can’t cure a cat’s wanderlust, at least keep it on the radar.

Back in January, Philippa Lintott laid eyes on her cat Bailey she had last seen 4½ years ago.

The 10-year-old was brought as a stray into Mrs Lintott’s Carlyle Veterinary Clinic in Napier and was only recognised as the family’s long-lost cat after details of its microchip were revealed.

After reading the story, Havelock North tracking specialists Sirtrack Tracking Solutions leapt to the rescue and donated a transmitter collar so the couple could keep tabs on their tabby. The Poraiti couple jumped at the chance and a collar was fitted to Bailey earlier this week.

Their cat’s earlier 4½-year sabbatical was the longest period of pet “lost time” her and veterinarian husband Michael had heard of during their time in the veterinary industry.

They had since confined Bailey to the house for the ensuing months to familiarise him and see if he wanted to stay home.

“The transmitter has a range of about 5km,” said Sirtrack Australasian account manager Phil Sargisson “These types of transmitters we use to track anything, from tui, kereru [wood pigeons],possums and stoats. It weighs about 30g so shouldn’t slow Bailey down too much.”

The Lintotts hope the 2-month trial will result better trust between them an their enduring feline.

Photo caption – BUGGED: Philippa Lintott and Phil Sargisson from Sirtrack Tracking Solutions have fitted a transmitting collar on Mrs Lintott’s nomadic cat Bailey.  PICTURE / PAUL TAYLOR

Photo caption – PURR-FECT: Bailey is tracked.