Animal Care Information

Knowing what to do when you find kittens is important, because your first reaction might be to pick them up and try to rescue them. While this is a natural response, the best first step is to pause and assess the situation carefully. Many kittens that look abandoned still have a mother nearby, and intervening too soon can unintentionally separate them. Use our decision tree to estimate the kittens’ age and understand what to do next to ensure they receive the safest and most appropriate care. 0-4 Weeks Old The best chance of survival for kittens at this age is to stay with their mother. Mum’s milk is perfect for them. She keeps them warm and protects them. You can watch the kittens from a distance, or you can come back later to see if their Mum comes back for them, as she may just be away trying to find food. Another good idea is to spread flour around the…

RSPCA NSW is seeing first-hand a rise in tick cases as the weather warms up.  These tiny parasites can cause huge problems, including paralysis or even death for our beloved pets.    The first signs of tick paralysis include a change in bark or meow, vomiting and wobbly back legs. As the paralysis worsens, it is common to see breathing difficulties, weakness, inability to walk, loss of the ability to blink, inability to swallow and eventually, collapse. It is important to note that not all animals show the same clinical signs, and any one of these symptoms should prompt owners to seek veterinary attention immediately, especially if you live in a tick area. Without treatment, affected animals are very likely to die.  Whilst previously considered more of a summer concern, paralysis ticks are becoming increasingly prominent all-year round in NSW.   “It certainly seems like our traditional experience with paralysis ticks being a summer issue is no longer the case,” RSPCA NSW Veterinary Policy and Projects Officer Kate Drew said.   “Specialist hospitals have…

Australia’s hot summers can quickly become dangerous for pets, especially as temperatures rise and humidity increases. Knowing how to keep pets safe in the heat and understanding when it’s too hot to walk your dog are essential for preventing heat stress, burnt paw pads and life‑threatening dehydration. By recognising the early signs of heat‑related illness and taking simple precautions such as adjusting walk times, providing shade and offering plenty of fresh water, you can help keep your pet comfortable and protected all summer long. Whether you’re concerned about dog safety in hot weather, planning outdoor activities or simply wanting to improve your pet’s wellbeing during warmer months, these practical tips from RSPCA NSW will help you make informed, safe choices every day. Heat stress can be life-threatening even after a few short minutes. Some animals can’t cool themselves down as effectively as humans, especially if they are kept in confined spaces and are unable to move themselves out of the…

At RSPCA NSW, we believe that every kitten deserves a loving home where they can flourish into confident and happy cats. One important role of raising a well-adjusted kitten is social and environmental learning. Let’s explore why this is important and how you can ensure your furry friend grows up to be a resilient companion. Why social and environmental learning matters. Social and environmental learning involves exposing an animal to a range of experiences in a positive and gradual manner to help them prepare for and cope with different situations, interactions, and environments. It is essential to ensure that kittens grow up into well-adjusted adults who relate well to others and the world around them. Between two – eight weeks of age is a very important time in a kitten’s life as this is when their brain and sensory systems are rapidly developing. Throughout this period is when they are highly responsive to developing social relationships and learning about their environment,…

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…

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,…

With the days getting longer and the weather warming up, cats are set to begin their breeding season. In New South Wales, this often starts around August and continues through the spring and summer months. We are anticipating a drier summer as the year comes to an end, meaning that the upcoming kitten season may be longer than ever before. Read on to find out four reasons why it is so important to desex your cat and ways you can help this kitten season. Cats Can Give Birth Multiple Times in Kitten Season A female cat (aka Queens) can go back into heat before her first litter is weaned, and as a result, many cats can reproduce multiple times in one kitten season. The average cat will have two to three litters during a single kitten season, resulting in up to 15 kittens in the spring and summer months. And when those kittens later mature, they only add to the…

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…

Many everyday foods that seem harmless to us can be extremely dangerous for pets. Knowing what food should dogs not eat is essential for keeping your dog safe and preventing accidental poisoning or digestive issues. From well‑known dangers like chocolate and grapes to hidden risks such as xylitol, macadamia nuts and certain fruits or vegetables, even small amounts can cause serious harm. Understanding what foods are toxic to dogs, what foods are harmful to dogs, and how to avoid these common household dangers will help protect your pet every day. Whether you’re preparing snacks, sharing a meal or keeping curious dogs away from the pantry, this guide outlines the most important foods to avoid and the steps to take if your dog eats something unsafe. You can also find other more great tips on caring your dog. Why Chocolate Is Toxic to Dogs A treat for us, but trouble for pets. Chocolate contains a substance called theobromine, which animals’ bodies…