RSPCA WA is urging cat owners to keep their feline companions contained to their property following a booming kitten season which has seen 94 cats and 146 kittens come into the shelter since 1 November.
The animal welfare charity is educating West Australian cat owners on the benefits of cat containment – which go far beyond just feral cat and litter management.
'Cat containment' refers to keeping owners keeping their cat contained to their property at all times, preventing them from roaming during the day and night. The cat can either be kept strictly indoors or have access to a secure outdoor cat run enclosure or catio.
Some notable benefits of containing cats include the reduced risk of:
- being injured, hurt, attacked, or acquiring a serious infection,
- eating toxic plants or poisonous substances,
- being stolen or abused,
- picking up ticks and fleas,
- being bitten by a snake,
- and becoming pregnant/impregnating other cats*.
Additionally, a University of Sydney study estimates each roaming cat in Australia kills on average 186 animals, mostly natives, each year.
While some cat owners contain their cats inside the home, not all contained cats have to live totally indoors. Access to a safe outdoor escape-proof enclosure or fenced garden is highly recommended as this greatly assists in providing an environment that meets your cat's physical and mental needs.
This includes the increased opportunity for activity and stimulation by allowing them to experience the benefits of the outdoors without the dangers of roaming beyond their home property boundaries.
RSPCA WA Inspector Manager Kylie Green said while containing your cat is the best way to ensure they are not deliberately hurt or killed, it was never okay to be cruel to an animal.
"If a cat is deliberately hurt or killed by a member of the public it is solely the perpetrator's fault – regardless of whether the cat is owned or not," she said.
"We have seen and prosecuted numerous cases of deliberate cruelty to cats and they are often extremely distressing cases. The most recent case involved a man who confined a cat, named Jamison, in an esky for about 10 hours. Jamison endured a cruel and stressful end to his life and his family was left devasted.
"Another case which comes to mind involved a beloved pet cat named Tiger Tim who was drowned in the Swan River after someone tied a brick to his neck. Another case which resulted in a $2000 fine last year involved a man who picked a cat up by her tail in Piara Waters and swung her through the air before she landed on her side.
"We are aware that roaming cats can be a concern for neighbours, and RSPCA advocates for cat containment, but there is absolutely no excuse for intentional cruelty.
"Please, keep your cat contained to your property. It's safer for them and the environment."
Cat owners can head to safeandhappycats.com.au to learn more about cat safety and care.
