Cats in the Community Cats are highly valued companion pets in thousands of Australian households- 25% of homes have a cat. We often don't notice cats as much as dogs due to their size and nature, however they can still make quite an impact - both positive and negative- on our community and environment. There are a number of responsibilities you have as a cat owner, that apply across all municipalities. Your local Council can assist you in finding out more about your responsibilities and rights as a cat owner in your local area.   In addition to providing information, your local Council also provides animal control services, handles complaints about animals, picks up stray cats, and handles pet registrations. Some Councils also providing a trapping service for wild and feral cats. Information on registering and de-sexing your pets is detailed on separate pages. There are many benefits for you as the cat owner, for your cat and for your community if you follow these tips for responsible cat ownership. Prevent your cat from wandering Wandering cats are vulnerable to disease and attack from other cats or dogs. Feline Aids, which is ultimately fatal for a cat, is transmitted from cat to cat through fighting. Motor vehicles are also a major hazard for roaming cats. Cats allowed to roam freely have a greater likelihood of becoming lost, and if not recovered, could join a pack of stray cats. Roaming cats also cause disputes and anxiety between neighbours, by causing dogs to bark, by fighting with other cats or defecating in neighbouring gardens. Many Councils require that you keep your cat on your property at all times- your Council will be able to advise you whether this or other restrictions apply. Confine your cat at night To minimise disruption to your neighbours, always keep your cat confined to your premises and inside at night. Cats that are kept inside at night generally live much longer than cats that are allowed outside. Around 80 per cent of accidents to cats occur at night. Confining your cat at night will not only ensure it stays free from injury and disease, it also prevents cats from fighting and wandering onto neighbouring properties. Importantly, it also ensures your cat cannot kill or injure native wildlife. Contrary to popular belief, cats will hunt wildlife whether they are hungry or not; this is instinctive. Also ensure your cat always has a bell (or two bells to ring against each other) which will warn wildlife that a cat is approaching. The consequences of cat fights Cats are very territorial creatures, and their perceived territory may extend well beyond their owner's property. Territories are won and kept by fighting with other cats. Not only is cat fighting disturbing for neighbours, it is also potentially harmful for your cat through physical injury and possibly contracting diseases. You can minimise the likelihood of your cat fighting by keeping it indoors at night, having it desexed, and encouraging to stay on your property.
	Responsible Pet Ownership Copyright / Disclaimer Last Updated: 18/02/2003 This site was designed and developed by KnowledgeWorks.