Cat containment - from roaming to staying at home
"Cats are a popular pet in Australia: second only to dogs, they’re found in a third of homes, with about 5.3 million felines nationally."
"Keeping cats indoors can keep them safe from harm and protect native wildlife. But how can pet owners support their furry friends in making the transition?"
"When cats catch bird flu, the virus can be deadly. One study, published by the American Veterinary Medical Association, found domestic cats infected with H5N1 had overall mortality rates of 50 to 70%."
"Keeping pets indoors, contained in outdoor enclosures known as “catios”, or on a harness, also protects native wildlife. Each roaming puss kills about 186 mammals, reptiles and birds every year, according to research by the Threatened Species Recovery Hub."
“A safe cat is an indoor cat,” says wildlife veterinarian Dr Tania Bishop. “Roaming cats already face threats from cars, snakes, dogs, ticks, powerful owls and disease. With H5 bird flu now at our doorstep, there is also a
... show moreCat containment - from roaming to staying at home
"Cats are a popular pet in Australia: second only to dogs, they’re found in a third of homes, with about 5.3 million felines nationally."
"Keeping cats indoors can keep them safe from harm and protect native wildlife. But how can pet owners support their furry friends in making the transition?"
"When cats catch bird flu, the virus can be deadly. One study, published by the American Veterinary Medical Association, found domestic cats infected with H5N1 had overall mortality rates of 50 to 70%."
"Keeping pets indoors, contained in outdoor enclosures known as “catios”, or on a harness, also protects native wildlife. Each roaming puss kills about 186 mammals, reptiles and birds every year, according to research by the Threatened Species Recovery Hub."
“A safe cat is an indoor cat,” says wildlife veterinarian Dr Tania Bishop. “Roaming cats already face threats from cars, snakes, dogs, ticks, powerful owls and disease. With H5 bird flu now at our doorstep, there is also a risk cats could become infected by scavenging or coming into contact with sick or dead birds.”
“Cat containment is one of those rare measures that’s a win for everyone – it’s better for cats, better for wildlife and better for communities.” >>
theguardian.com/australia-news…
#pets #cats #roaming #vectors #CatContainment #disease #ticks #BirdFlu #wildlife #biodiversity
Image: Poster of one of the many missing roaming cats of #Bellingen
