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Keeping your cat home at night can help protect it from cars, fights, disease and other dangers, with Warrnambool cat owners being reminded to bring their pets in before sunset.
RSPCA Victoria research shows cats that are allowed to roam can have their life expectancy reduced by up to 10 years, while vet bills and visits for roaming cats are 400 per cent higher.
Warrnambool has a night-time cat curfew, requiring cats to be confined to their owner’s property between sunset and sunrise.
Warrnambool Mayor and cat owner Cr Ben Blain said reducing the amount of time cats spend roaming was one of the best things owners could do to help keep their pets safe.
“Cats are amazing animals. They make great companions and they each have their own unique personalities, so they really become part of the family,” he said.
“And that’s why it’s so important to keep them safe, because it can be easy to underestimate the dangers cats face when they are out roaming, especially at night.
“Sadly, the loss or injury of a cat is something that many owners have faced. According to RSPCA Victoria research, two out of three cat owners have previously lost a cat to a roaming-related incident.
“Our staff and volunteers at the Warrnambool Animal Shelter see it every day, caring for cats that are lost or injured.
“Making sure your cat is microchipped, registered and that your contact details and address are kept up to date are so important, because if something happens to your cat, it means we can get it home safely much sooner.
“Even if your cat has always come home safely in the past, it only takes one incident to lead to trouble.”
Cr Blain said that keeping cats contained also helps protect native wildlife.
“Cats are natural hunters, so keeping them safely at home is good for your pet and good for the birds, mammals and reptiles that call Warrnambool home,” he said.
“According to the Australian National University, each domestic cat kills an average of 110 native animals each year, and they only bring home a small proportion of what they kill.”
Cr Blain said cats could still live happy and stimulating lives while being contained, either indoors or in a suitable cat enclosure.
“People may think that cats need to spend a lot of time roaming to be able to express their natural behaviours, but there are lots of ways to keep cats active and entertained at home,” he said.
“Toys, scratching posts, climbing spaces, spending time playing with them or providing a secure outdoor enclosure are all great options.
“There are lots of really useful resources available online to help you and your cat make the transition to a new routine.”
Cat owners can find practical tips and ideas for keeping cats happy at home through RSPCA Victoria’s Rethink Roaming website www.rethinkroaming.com.au and the Safe Cat, Safe Wildlife campaign website at www.safecat.org.au.