9.1 | RSPCA Australia recognises that responsible cat ownership means owners accepting full responsibility for cats in terms of their welfare, as well as meeting the standards for cat management that are expected by the community (see A1). |
9.2 | Government policy on the management of cats in the community must maintain a balance between the need to ensure the welfare of cats and the need to reduce the potential negative impacts of cats on wildlife and the community. |
9.3 | Any management program must adopt a holistic, strategic and humane approach and aim to:
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9.4 | Containment of cats |
9.4.1 | RSPCA Australia encourages the containment of cats in an enclosed area (within the owner’s property boundaries). Containment of cats can help to protect cats from disease and injury through fighting and accidents, increase the opportunity for owner-animal interaction and reduce the impact of hunting by cats and disturbance caused to neighbours. |
9.4.2 | Where cats are contained, steps must be taken to ensure that adequate exercise and environmental enrichment (complexity) are available to provide physical and psychological stimulation. |
9.4.3 | Access to an outdoor escape-proof enclosure/run is highly recommended as this can greatly increase the opportunity for activity and stimulation for contained cats. Ideally, cats should be trained to be contained early. |
9.4.4 | A leash and harness may be used to walk cats outside the owner’s property under direct supervision (see A7.4.5). |
(reviewed 26/06/14)
See also: A7.4 Training of companion animals