Cat Resources

I found kittens! What should I do?

There are several things you should do before taking them to a shelter – the cat may not be stray but simply lost or out exploring.

Your home is the safest place for your cat. By not letting your cat roam freely you are keeping them safe from car accidents, dog attacks and injuries from cat fights, as well as keeping native wildlife safe and the neighbours happy. All cats need mental and physical stimulation to satisfy their natural instincts and promote their physical and emotional wellbeing. This is especially important for indoor cats.

Safe Cat, Safe Wildlife When your cat enjoys time at home with you, they’re safe from roads, fighting and disease. You might see more native wildlife in your area too! As part of the Safe Cat, Safe Wildlife Community you’ll receive direct to your inbox: Unique offers Expert advice on cat care Tips to give your cat their best life!

By providing enrichment, you’re giving your cat the chance to live their best life. They will be able to express all their natural behaviours like following scents, stalking, chasing and pouncing, while staying safe at home.

What cats need..

The definition of play from a human perspective is to engage in activity for enjoyment and recreation, rather than a serious or practical purpose. However, play for cats is serious business! It activates parts of the brain related to motivation and reward – and promotes tissue growth in areas of the brain that are involved with learning and memory. This is essential for all species, including human animals.

Cats can live happily at home without roaming, as long as they have food and water, a litter tray and lots of enrichment such as climbing and scratching poles, toys and of course your love and attention. If your cat has enjoyed being outside for many years, you can slowly increase their time indoors over an extended period.

Toys that are left lying on the floor are “dead”. They are boring. Fun toys are like prey! They are usually small and quiet, and they move! Playing is an interactive experience: a simulated hunting experience that gives cats physical exercise and stimulates their brains.

You can protect your cat from being hit by a car, from catching disease and parasites, from getting lost or stolen, or injured in cat fights and dog attacks by preventing them from roaming away from home.

Cats are creatures of habit, hence changing their routine will be smoother with some planning and patience. First, ensure you can meet all your cat’s needs at home. This includes food, water, toilets, comfy places to sleep, and opportunities to express all their natural behaviours like hiding, scratching, climbing, and stalking, chasing and pouncing (on toys and treats).

Cat enclosures or “catios” have become increasingly popular as a way to provide a safe and enriching outdoor experience for our feline companions. Getting the most out of your catio requires thoughtful planning and incorporating various elements that cater to a cat’s physical and psychological well-being.

Before introductions begin, make sure each animal has their own safe area away from the other. If you can, divide your home into a ‘cat area’ and ‘dog area’, ideally with a buffer area in between.

Lifelong bonds take time to form. Feline friendships are no exception. Introducing your new cat to your existing cat(s) might take weeks or longer depending on how your cats respond. They might become fast friends, or they may not be compatible – not all cats like to share their homes and many cats find change difficult. Take it step by step and most importantly be there to support and guide your cats through this transition.

We all have things we need to keep us happy and healthy, things we need to feel safe, things to do so we don’t get bored, and things to help us bond with those we love. Your cat has these needs too. Follow these pointers to ensure you’re providing everything your cat needs to live their best life at home.

All cats are individuals with different personality traits and preferences and not every cat will be interested in or comfortable with harness training. Leash walking can be dangerous for you and your cat. If startled, your cat could become lost or injured and could injure you or others in their attempts to flee.

Impacts of urban cats in Australia. What can pet cat owners do? Responsible pet cat ownership involves the following: Keep your cat indoors or contained at all times Get your cat desexed Have your cat microchipped Have regular vet check-ups Dispose of cat litter hygienically Register your cat and comply with local government regulations

Impacts of urban cats in Australia. What can pet cat owners do? Responsible pet cat ownership involves the following: Keep your cat indoors or contained at all times Get your cat desexed Have your cat microchipped Have regular vet check-ups Dispose of cat litter hygienically Register your cat and comply with local government regulations