The Scottish Fold breed of cat has a very distinctive appearance and is a popular companion cat in some countries. These cats have flattened ears that fold forward and downward, sitting like a cap and giving the quaint look of an owl. This ear fold is the result of a…
Cat flu is a general term for a highly contagious upper airway disease that affects cats and kittens. This disease is caused by one or more viruses including Feline Herpes Virus 1 (FHV1) and Feline Calicivirus (FCV) in the majority of cases. In some cases, other organisms may be involved,…
Breed specific legislation (BSL) consists of legal restrictions on the importation, sale, keeping and rehoming of certain types of dogs (‘restricted breeds’), irrespective of their actual behaviour. BSL is based on assumptions that certain breeds of dog are inherently dangerous, that those breeds can be readily identified, and that banning…
Rabbits and guinea pigs should not be housed together in the same enclosure. While they are often regarded as similar, rabbits and guinea pigs are actually totally different kinds of animals, with different (and often conflicting) needs. Different Order – Rabbits and guinea pigs aren’t just different species, they’re different…
The following is a list of the most common ailments and diseases that can affect your rabbit. It’s very important to talk to your veterinarian about how to prevent disease and keep your rabbit healthy and happy. Respiratory infections Rabbits are susceptible to bacterial and viral respiratory infections. Although they…
Providing puppies with the opportunity to exercise is a very important aspect of their care. Apart from providing various health benefits, exercising also provides a good opportunity for your puppy to socialise with other friendly puppies, dogs and people too, which is vital for their behavioural development. More information on…
A puppy farm (also known as a puppy factory or puppy mill) is an intensive dog breeding facility, operating under inadequate conditions. Puppy farming is a major animal welfare issue in Australia because puppy farms fail to meet dogs’ physical and mental needs. Why are puppy farms a problem? The main…
A puppy farm (also known as a puppy factory or puppy mill) is an intensive dog breeding facility operating under inadequate conditions. Puppy farms fail to meet dogs’ physical and mental needs, and puppy farming is a major animal welfare issue in Australia. For more information see the Knowledgebase article ‘What…
If you are looking to welcome a companion animal into your family, RSPCA Australia encourages prospective owners to first consider adopting an animal from the RSPCA or other reputable animal welfare organisation. If you’re unable to find an animal from a rescue organisation, another option is to adopt an animal who…
Having a companion dog can be a wonderful and joyful part of your life but is also a big commitment and responsibility; they require care and understanding, shelter, a balanced diet, daily exercise, veterinary care, training, enrichment, and more. When you are bringing a new dog into your family there…