While felines have traditionally fallen into one of two CATegories — secure at home or free range — a new campaign and website by the RSPCA highlights that kitties are safest and happiest at home.
The RSPCA has launched its new Safe and Happy Cats website at SafeAndHappyCats.com.au, following on from the successful guide (which can be downloaded here) and providing an online destination full of information on the benefits of keeping your cat safely contained to your property and protecting them from the dangers of roaming.
According to Dr Sarah Zito, Senior Scientific Officer at RSPCA Australia: “There are many significant benefits to keeping your cat safe and secure at home. By keeping your cat at home, you’re protecting them from the dangers of cars, other cats, toxins, dogs and getting lost. And you also get to spend more time with them and become even closer. There is also the added benefit of helping to protect your local wildlife” she said.
There’s an outdated myth that cats need to roam, but in fact, owners can provide their companions with everything they need at home; all it takes is a little bit of planning, practice and patience.
SafeAndHappyCats.com.au breaks down your fur friend’s five basic needs — resting and hiding places, food, water, toileting areas, and places to scratch — and offers ideas on how to transform your home into a pusscat’s playground, without breaking the bank.
“I have four very contented cats who are safely kept at home in the house and in their contained garden; they get the best of both indoor and outdoor worlds” said Dr Zito.
“I get to spend heaps of quality time with them, and also have the peace of mind knowing that they are safe. Having had cats who were free to roam as a child, and suffering their loss on the roads, then seeing so many of the bad things that can happen to roaming cats during my career as a vet and researcher, I feel very certain of my decision to keep my cats safe and happy at home. I wouldn’t have it any other way” she said.
Check out SafeAndHappyCats.com.au for videos, animations and articles on the risks of roaming and perks of containment, as well as info on enrichment games and toys, cat-proofing your balcony or yard, and more.
Ryan Fritz
Ryan Fritz started The Advocate in 2014 to provide not-for-profits and charities another media platform to tell their worthwhile hard news stories and opinion pieces effortlessly. In 2020, Ryan formed a team of volunteer journalists to help spread even more high-quality stories from the third sector. He also has over 10 years experience as a media and communications professional for not-for-profits and charities and currently works at Redkite, a childhood cancer charity.
