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Questions
and Answers
How
many cats live in Australia?
It is estimated that there are over 2.7 million
owned cats and somewhere between 5 and 12 million unowned cats in Australia.
About 30% of all households own at least one cat and there are about half
a million kittens born each year.
Why
does a cat purr?
Purring is a rhythmical vibration of the vocal cords.
In most instances it reflects happiness and well being.
How
can I keep cats and wildlife apart?
Cats may be kept inside the house, or in a specially
designed outdoor cat enclosure. Alternatively, you could erect a cat proof
fence around the boundary of your property. You could also have a cat
zone between the house and the fence. Cat modules are easy to erect and
provide cats with much entertainment and exercise.
Is
it cruel to confine a cat?
No, as long as you provide for the cat's needs for
the confinement period. Desexed cats are happy to live in a suitable enclosed
area. Cats do not have an 'innate' need to roam. They need exercise and
play, as well as around 19 hours of sleep each day. Many city cats become
better pets and live long, healthy and contented lives when in an adequate
enclosure and/or inside a house or flat 24 hours a day. There are certain
breeds that are more than happy to live inside and all kittens are easy
to train.
What
are my cat's requirements when confined?
If the cat is simply to be confined overnight it
will require food, water, shelter, a warm place to sleep and a litter
tray. For continual confinement you will need to add exercise and sunbathing
areas, and scratching and climbing apparatus, to the above needs. A scratching
and climbing pole is a must and ideally should have 2-3 perches. Provide
cat toys (available in good pet shops) and help your cat to exercise daily
by encouraging it to play, run and jump. Install window perches for your
cat to sunbathe on and a cat door for access to an enclosed area outside.
What
about the rights of non-cat owners not to have cats on or close to their
property?
Unless there has been a specific order issued by
the local government, dealing with the confinement of cats, the owners
are not guilty of any offence unless the animal is found to be without
permission on another person's property or in places specified by the
council. A cat is deemed to be on private property without permission
when
- it
has been there on more than one occasion without the permission of the
owner or occupier of the property;
If
the cat returns a second time it can be seized and taken by the Council.
If it is not wearing its registration tag it will be taken to the pound.
If it can be identified, the Council will serve a notice on the owners
stating that the cat was on private property without permission. If the
cat returns again an offence has been committed. Cats are also not allowed
to be a nuisance. A nuisance is defined as
- injuring
or endangering the health of any person;
- creating
a noise, which continues to the extent, that it unreasonably interferes
with the peace, comfort or convenience of any person in any other premises.
If
a person is convicted of this offence, they will have to ensure that it
stops.
Cats fighting, howling and defecating on other peoples' property are common
complaints that can easily be avoided through confinement.
Why
should I desex my cat?
A desexed pet is easier to own and care for. Many
say a desexed pet is more pleasurable to own. More desexed cats also means
fewer unwanted litters of kittens. Fewer strays also mean more protection
for other companion animals, wildlife and the environment. A desexed cat
- may
wander less
- may
be less aggressive and get into fewer fights
- is
much less likely to contract Feline AIDS
(Feline AIDS is a viral disease, which is found only in cats, that causes
a syndrome similar to the AIDS virus in people. It is not transferable
to humans and is passed on by biting.)
- does
not tend to have the occasional nasty habits of entire animals, such
as spraying inside which is territorial behaviour
- will
live longer (average life span of desexed cats is 11-15 years; entire
cats is 3 years)
- is
much cheaper to register
What
is a microchip and is it safe for my cat?
A microchip is a small silicon chip approximately
one centimetre long that is inserted under the skin between the shoulder
blades of cats and kittens. It is painless, safe for all animals, and
permanent. Inserting a microchip is not compulsory however, it is deemed
a responsible action which is supported by the Government with reduced
registration fees. There are currently three different types of microchips
being used in Victoria. At this time not all Vets, pounds and animal welfare
shelters have access to all the scanners.
Is the wildlife threat mainly due to unowned and feral cats?
Feral cats tend to take more mammals than birds
as a proportion of their diet. Rabbits, which are an introduced pest,
can make up a substantial part of the cat's prey when they are in supply.
Unowned cats are not solely responsible for attacks on wildlife either.
They may rely on their prey to provide a substantial part of their diet
but humans and rubbish often supplement it. Pet cats are also instinctive
hunters and will still hunt regardless of the food you provide for them.
Animals, which escape from cat attacks, will often die within 24 hours
through a combination of shock and infection.
Are unowned and feral cats a major animal welfare problem?
Yes, it is estimated that more than 100,000 cats
are received each year in animal shelters across Australia. More than
80% of these cats are neither reclaimed nor rehoused but are humanely
put down (euthanased). Cats are prolific breeders so it is important that
all cats that are not going to be used for breeding purposes be desexed.
The removal of unowned cats and feral cats will go a long way towards
eliminating unwanted breeding and the associated animal welfare problems.
Do
cats travel well in cars?
Cats that are not used to travelling in a car may
become anxious. By confining the cat to a cage and covering it you will
help the cat relax for the duration of the journey. Under no circumstances
should cats be allowed to wander unrestrained in a vehicle.
Should
cats wear bells on their collars?
Yes, unless your cat lives in a confined area. One
bell, however, is not enough. The ideal is two bells under the chin and
one behind the head. There is a belief that the bells make a difference
in one out of three attacks. Reflective strips on collars can also be
beneficial.
Why
keep your cats in at night?
Some local governments have imposed cat curfews
that restrict the cat to the house or a secure area on the property between
certain hours (e.g. dusk to dawn). As has already been explained, this
reduces the threat to other animals. Just as important is the fact that
it greatly reduces the risk of your cat being killed or injured. A large
majority of deaths and injuries occur at night and the major causes of
these are car accidents and fights. Territorial catfights are more common
at night. This along with howling behaviour, especially during the breeding
season, contributes to neighbourhood disturbances.
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