WHAT DOES RESPONSIBLE CAT OWNERSHIP MEAN?
Over time, the meaning of responsible cat ownership has changed with shifting
community expectations and concerns, and a growing awareness of the value of
cats.
Today, responsible cat ownership means owners not only have an obligation to
meet the health and welfare needs of their cats, but a duty to ensure their
cat's activities do not unduly interfere with the neighbours or the
environment.
Although priorities will alter from community to community, as for example,
night confinement may be more of an issue in environmentally sensitive areas,
most problems can be prevented by encouraging a few simple changes in cat owner
behaviour.
The key to these changes in behaviour is education. Peer group pressure has led
to most Australians to "do the right thing" with litter. In time, if
pet owners are educated to follow these simple rules of responsible cat
ownership, most Australians will "do the right thing" with their
feline companions.
IDENTIFY your cat
Cats can be identified be either a collar bearing your address or phone number,
or a microchip implant and an "M" tattoo placed in the ear. Victoria
and South Australia both have laws which require cats to be identified when off
their owner's property. Identification is for your cat's own safety, as it can
be returned to you if lost or injured.
KEEP your cat in at night
A recent study conducted by the Cat Protection Society found that 94% of
accidents (car accidents or fights) in a three week period occurred at night.
Cats which are kept inside live at least three years longer on average than
cats which are allowed out. Confining your cat at night will help keep it safe
from injuries.
"Yowling" and fighting are more of a problem at night, because they
keep the neighbours awake! Keeping your cat inside at night is good for
neighbourly relations.
Many native animals are vulnerable to hunting at night. Cats which are kept
inside at night hunt less.
[ "see
also Indoor Living For Your Cat "].
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Responsible Cat Ownership
