The Ten Commandments of Responsible Pet Ownership
Sharing a home with a much-loved cat is one of life's greatest
pleasures. It is important to ensure that cats are kept in harmony with
the rest of the community and the environment. To reduce some of the
problems associated with cats in our society and ensure that both cats and
humans gain maximum benefit from this special relationship all cat owners
should follow the 10 Commandments of Responsible Cat Ownership. - Choose the right cat. Think carefully before getting a kitten and choose
a breed that will fit your lifestyle
- Identify your cat in case it gets lost. Identification can be by microchip or a
tag with your phone number, attached to an elasticised collar.
- Keep your cat inside at night for its own safety and to prevent it from
hunting.
- Care for your cat and meet its needs for food, clean water, shelter, grooming,
play and companionship.
- Socialise your cat. Spend quality time with your kitten, and introduce
it to other animals and people when it is young and impressionable so that it
grows into a loving and well-adjusted animal.
- Groom your cat regularly and check for fleas.
- Encourage your cat to stay at home by creating a caring, interesting and
attractive environment. Cats need places to climb, cubbies to hide in,
things to scratch and someone with whom to play.
- Vaccinate your cat every year, worm your cat every three months, and if your
cat is acting differently, see your Vet.
- Use a sturdy cage to transport your cat whenever it is off your property.
- Desex your cat if you have not purchased it for breeding purposes.
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