Animal Care Information

With International Rabbit Day will taking place on the 28th of September, there’s never been a better time to discuss why rabbits make excellent pets and why every household should consider welcoming an adorable companion into their life.

At RSPCA NSW, we understand that keeping our cats both mentally and physically stimulated is the key to their happiness and health. Cats are natural hunters, and love engaging their hunting instincts! This makes nose work enrichment one of the best and easiest ways that everyday cat owners can greatly enhance their cat’s wellbeing and quality of life. What is Nose work? Nose work is a form of enrichment that encourages your cat to use their sense of smell to seek, sniff out, and hunt down hidden treats or their favourite toys. Dr Findy Wills, an expert at Let’s Talk Paws Veterinary Behaviour Services, recommends playing a simple game to engage your cat’s natural hunting instincts. Easy to implement at home, the activity encourages cats to tap into their problem-solving skills, providing them with both mental stimulation and physical exercise. Integrating Nose Work into Your Cat’s Routine To begin a nose work game, you’ll need the following items: – A…

Play for cats is not just about fun; it’s essential for indoor cats’ physical and mental well-being. It helps them stay active, maintain a healthy weight, and prevent obesity-related health issues. Play also provides mental stimulation, alleviates boredom, and reduces stress and anxiety. It is a great way to keep kitty brains active and alert. While the great outdoors may offer endless opportunities for exploration and adventure, it also poses numerous risks for cats, including being lost, stolen, impounded, poisoned, getting into fights, picking up diseases and parasites, and being hit by cars. To avoid a CATastrophe it is best to keep your cat home safe. But how can you keep your indoor cat entertained and engaged? The key is to create a stimulating indoor environment that allows them to exhibit their natural behaviours and instincts. Here are some tips on how to include play in your indoor cat’s daily routine: Interactive Toys: Toys are important to satisfy the five…

Now that winter is upon us, it’s important to ensure our pets are keeping warm, happy, and healthy. Despite their fur coats, animals are not immune to the cold. If you feel a noticeable chill in the air, chances are your four-legged companion will too. RSPCA NSW Veterinary Operations Manager, Dr Caroline Edgehill, emphasises the importance of the three W’s – Warm, Waterproof, and Windproof – for any animal sleeping outside. Whether you’re looking after farm animals or outdoor pocket pets, remember to follow these guiding principles when keeping your animals safe. “Ensure that your animals’ bedding is covered, dry and, elevated from the ground, to protect them from any drafts, high-speed winds and dampness,” says Dr Edgehill. Winter weather can exacerbate certain medical conditions, particularly osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease. For affected pets, cold and damp conditions can make symptoms worse. “If signs of stiffness or discomfort are shown by your pet, please consult your vet for advice on managing their…

Now that winter is upon us, it’s important to ensure your pets are keeping warm, happy, and healthy. Don’t let their adorable fur coats fool you: pets are not immune to the cold! If you feel a noticeable chill in the air, chances are your animal companion does too. Keeping Pets Warm, Dry, and Safe Dr. Liz Arnott, RSPCA NSW Chief Veterinarian, emphasises the importance of the three W’s – Warm, Waterproof, and Windproof – for any animal sleeping outside. Whether you’re looking after farm animals or outdoor pocket pets, remember to follow these guiding principles when keeping your animals safe. Warm: Provide plenty of blankets and bedding to keep your pets protected against the elements.Waterproof: Ensure that your animals’ bedding is dry and protected from dampness, taking care to make sure they’re covered and elevated from the ground in the case of rain.Windproof: Make sure their shelter is secure and protected from drafts and high-speed winds. Exercise During winter,…

One question we often hear when recommending keeping cats safe at home is “how do I keep my feline friend happy?” Yes, some cats love to explore, but a cat kept safe at home will live on average 10 years longer than a cat who is allowed to roam. One of many reasons to keep your beloved furry friend safe at home. The good news is you can recreate much of what your cat loves about the outdoors inside by providing opportunities for natural behaviours. Whether it’s installing catios, harness training, or providing plenty of stimulating toys and activities indoors, there are plenty of ways that you can ensure that your cat stays happy, healthy, and secure. Below are some enrichment solutions to fulfill your cat’s needs at home. Don’t cats have predatory instincts? Solution: Simulate hunting experiences Cats are very intelligent creatures and in nature rely on their predatory instincts to survive. At home it is important to recreate…

As part of our Keeping Cats Safe at Home project, we’ve been working to promote feline safety and reduce the impacts of our cats on wildlife. Keeping Cats Safe at Home is a four-year human behaviour change project assisted by the NSW Government through its Environmental Trust. As part of the project, we’ve been encouraging cat lovers to have their furbabies desexed, permanently identify and register their cats, and prevent them from roaming outdoors. We have partnered with 11 NSW councils including Blue Mountains City Council, Byron Shire Council, Campbelltown City Council, City of Parramatta Council, Hornsby Shire Council, Kyogle Council, Northern Beaches City Council, Shoalhaven City Council, Tweed Shire Council, Walgett Shire Council and Weddin Shire Council. We are particularly proud of the six key outputs that we’ve developed over the course of the project, many of which include handy resources that feline lovers might want to use: 1 – Our dedicated microsite: www.rspcansw.org.au/keeping-cats-safe 2 – Informational resources for…

Thinking about harness training your cat? Harness training is a great way to keep your cat mentally and physically stimulated. Not only does it provide enrichment for your cat, but it also helps protect local wildlife by keeping your kitty under control. It is important to remember, however, that not all cats suit harness training; cats have different personality traits and preferences, and not every cat will be interested. Before you take your feline friend anywhere, create a solid training plan. It is essential to lay the groundwork for a successful harness training journey. Cat harness training in backyard. Consider clicker training Clicker training is a highly effective method when it comes to harness training cats. By focusing on positive reinforcement and clear communication, clicker training can help you and your cat enjoy the process of harness training together, leading to a successful and enjoyable outdoor experience for both of you.   Like its name suggests, clicker training involves the pairing…

Cat playing with toy. As a cat owner to create a happy environment for both you and your feline friend it is important to prioritise safety measures within your home. Why even keep your cat inside? Two in three cat owners have lost a cat in a roaming-related accident; that is one of the many reasons why keeping cats safe from harm in their loving homes is essential. So, let’s delve into ways you can create a comfortable space at home for you and your four-legged friend: Stick to a Routine:  Cats thrive on routine and structure, which can help reduce their stress levels and prevent behavioural issues. By having set feeding, play, and grooming times, cats can feel more secure and content. Additionally, maintaining a regular schedule can help prevent falls because the cat tends to stay calmer when it is familiar with a routine. Promote Gentle Interactions: Cat claws and teeth can cause injuries even through play. Encourage play with…

Although the holiday period can provide opportunities to mingle with family, friends, and pets, our furry friends can feel bored and isolated once work and the school year resumes. When that happens, it becomes important to ensure they are getting regular mental stimulation by engaging them with enrichment activities to keep them entertained while home alone.    Enrichment activities, or environmental optimisation, can ensure that a dog’s individual and species-specific needs are met, helping maintain and improve their physical and emotional well-being. These activities go beyond a pets’ basic need for food, water, and shelter, prompting sensory experiences, mental stimulation, and occasionally social engagement. The benefits of enrichment can be surprisingly far-reaching, from reductions in stress and anxiety to addressing behaviour issues. For dogs in particular, enrichment improves health and can strengthen the bond between dogs and humans.   Proper enrichment is achieved by engaging an animal’s five keen senses: touch, taste, hearing, vision, and smell. There are two different types of…

Video and audio grabs from RSPCA NSW Chief Veterinarian Dr Liz Arnott are available While fireworks are a spectacular way to bring in the new year for us humans, the same isn’t true for our furry and feathered friends. Just like thunderstorms, the loud, unexpected noise of fireworks can cause extreme distress for our pets. This is why it is crucial to create a safe, calm environment, to prevent our loyal companions from hurting themselves or becoming lost in panic. “Dogs, like several other animal species, have sensitive hearing. Fireworks can be terrifyingly loud and relatively prolonged which can cause some individuals overwhelming fear,” said RSPCA NSW Chief Veterinarian Liz Arnott. “Noise phobias are not uncommon in dogs, but there are things we can do in the lead-up, and during, fireworks displays to help them feel safe and secure. Here are some tips to keep your pets comfortable this New Year’s Eve, as the clock strikes midnight: ·       If you…

With the holiday season well underway, it may be tempting to sneak our pets a taste of some festive food. It’s important to be aware however, that some of our favourite human treats can be dangerous or even fatal to our furry friends. This is why it’s essential to remain vigilant during our feasts with family and friends, to ensure the animals in our lives remain healthy, happy, and safe.

With summer officially on our doorstep and temperatures expected to soar this weekend, RSPCA NSW is urging pet owners to take the necessary steps to keep their companions as cool and comfortable as possible.

In the spirit of giving, it can be tempting to sneak our furry friends some festive food. But it’s still important to be mindful and monitor what our pets consume during the holidays.  Be sure to keep the food out of the reach of your pets and monitor your animal(s) throughout the day; unattended food can be tempting, if not dangerous, for your pet.   Festive foods to avoid giving your pets:  Pork/ham  Marinades/Gravy  Cooked bones  Chocolate  Lollies  Christmas pudding/Fruit cake  Grapes/Currants/Raisins  Onion/Chives/Garlic  Alcohol  If you suspect your furry friend has had a taste of something they shouldn’t have, or you notice symptoms such as diarrhoea, excessive panting, muscle twitching, lack of coordination or vomiting, then take your pet to your nearest veterinarian as soon as possible. Please note, you should also make yourself aware of your local veterinarian’s trading hours in the case of an emergency.   To find your nearest RSPCA NSW Veterinary clinic and their holiday trading hours,…

As the weather starts to heat up, protecting your furry friends against ticks becomes more important than ever. Tick paralysis is a serious and potentially fatal condition that requires urgent veterinary treatment should it affect your beloved pet. Along the east coast of Australia, tick paralysis is one of the most common preventable causes of death in dogs and cats. That is why it is essential to actively protect your pets using easy to use, over the counter tick prevention medication found in vet clinics and pet stores. What are paralysis ticks? Paralysis ticks are dangerous parasites that can latch onto people and animals to consume blood meals. As they drain a host’s blood, they secrete a toxin which affects the animal’s nervous system. The toxin can cause severe clinical signs such as vomiting, the inability to walk and the inability to breathe, which, if left untreated, can lead to death. The paralysis tick can look different depending on whether…

  Earlier this month marked World Chocolate Day on 7th July. While we humans may delight in delicious chocolate, it can be a big danger for our beloved pets. Here are some human foods to keep the paws off! Chocolate A treat for us, but trouble for pets. Chocolate contains a substance called theobromine, which animals’ bodies struggle to process. So, please be kind and stash those chocolatey goodies somewhere safe. Alcohol Even just a small amount can cause intoxication, leading to coordination problems, vomiting, and worse. Let’s keep the party drinks far away from our furry friends.     Chives, Onions and garlic While these ingredients make our food tasty, they can spell disaster for our pets. Onions and garlic contain compounds that can damage their red blood cells. Some pet foods and treats do contain small quantities of chives and garlic, so should not cause a problem. However, animals definitely shouldn’t eat these foods in large amounts, as…

Hitting the road with your animal by your side can be an exciting and enjoyable experience. However, it is incredibly important to ensure your companion animal is safe, happy and healthy on these long trips. Luckily, we have some advice for how to ensure your furry friend can enjoy their time away as much as you do. Microchip, Health and Vaccinations Before you hit the road you should make sure that your animal is up to date with worming, flea treatments and vaccinations. You should also double check your microchip details and update them if necessary and provide them with a collar or identification device with your contact details affixed so that if your animal companion does accidentally wander astray, there is more chance of them being returned to you. If you know your pet is an anxious traveller, then your veterinarian can also provide you with some advice. Things to Pack Restraint You need to ensure your animal is…

Rabbits are intelligent, curious and sociable animals that can make for amazing and interesting animal companions. We thought we would just remind our bunny lovers how to keep their fluffy friends safe, happy and healthy and for those considering adopting one, run over what to expect. Habitat If you’re interested in adopting a rabbit, you’ll need to think carefully about where they’ll be living. Whether or not you keep them indoors or outdoors, rabbits need plenty of room to explore and feel safe. If you care for an indoor rabbit, it will need a ‘bunny-proof’ room, pen or large rabbit cage. This space should be large enough for them to hop around and retreat into if they feel worried or unsure. They must be let outside for at least a few hours each day. Providing cardboard boxes with doorways (and windows) cut in are great hiding spaces to help your rabbit feel safe too. If their hutch is kept outdoors, it…

Trick training your Cat can provide great entertainment for everyone (including your cat!). Evidence suggests that training helps build and enhance your relationship with your cat as well as a source of great mental stimulation. Here are a few easy tricks to have fun with your feline friend and impress your guests.    What you will need    The Party Tricks   Sit on command    Through (Tunnel through your legs)  High Five      When things get tricky:            

The Keeping Cats Safe at Home Education Program was officially launched at schools across the New South Wales Northern Rivers region this month. Between the 8th and 12th of May, the program educated over 500 students from six different schools in the Byron Shire Council, Tweed Shire Council, and Kyogle Council about keeping their cats safe at home. It was a very busy trip visiting 6 schools and speaking to 508 students in total! The education presentation taught students how to care for cats and the importance of desexing, how to keep cats safe at home, and the impacts cats have on our native wildlife. Through engaging and interactive activities, students learned about cats’ unique behaviours and how to be responsible cat owners. The program was presented by RSPCA NSW senior education officer Stephanie Sok and the Keeping Cats Safe at Home project officer Silvina Tolli, with the collaboration of members of each council: Kyogle Council ranger Eddie Brown and Senior…