Housing

We advocate keeping cats indoors, as they will be less likely to:

• be exposed to cruelty
• be injured in car accidents
• catch diseases
• encounter risks
• fight with other cats
• sustain injuries from fighting
• wander into unfriendly territory

If you do allow your cat outdoors, be sure to keep him secured inside or in an appropriate cat enclosure between dusk and dawn, as this is when most predation occurs.

Toys allow your cat to use his chasing and pouncing instincts, and help him release pent-up energy. You’ll also soon discover that your cat’s favourite games will be the ones that involve you!

Cats can be very independent, but many enjoy company and playtime. You can keep your indoor cat happy by:

• ensuring he has a nice sunny spot to lie in (don’t forget pet-safe sunscreen!)
• providing interesting plants e.g., cat grass
• providing plenty of toys to keep your cat amused. Cardboard boxes with holes cut into them are great for hide and seek games.
• providing scratching posts

Your cat will also need:

• a balanced daily diet
• access to a litter tray, which must be cleaned regularly. RSPCA NSW recommends having one extra litter tray per cat to reduce ‘accidents’ and marking.
• access to fresh water at all times