DEFRA Launches Code of Practice for the Welfare of Cats

Poisonous to cats - anti-freeze

The Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has launced a code of practice for the welfare of cats under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

The main requirements of the code are:

• to provide a suitable environment
• to provide a healthy diet
• is protected from pain, suffering, illness and disease
• ensuring that a cat has the ability and environment to behave normally
• has appropriate company
• has safe transportation equipment
• has it’s own litter tray
• has access to clean water
• to be fed at least once a day
• to include meat products in it’s diet
• to microchip their pet or put a quick-release collar containing their contact details around it’s neck
• to ensure the cat is kept away from potentially harmful substances
• to ensure the cat is kept at a healthy weight
• has opportunity to exercise each day
• you must arrange for your cat’s needs to be met if you are away from home
• you should regularly examine your cat for signs of injury or illness
• your cat should be properly groomed 

Defra said: “Owning and caring for a pet is great fun and very rewarding, but it is also a big responsibility and a long-term financial and caring commitment. You control your pet’s lifestyle; it is your responsibility to make sure that its needs are met, whatever the circumstances.”

They recommend that cats should be provided with a scratching post and toys.  Particularly recommended are ‘puzzle’ feeders.

To read the full document, go here www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/consult/welfare-cats-cop/consultation.pdf

Love Cats? You’ll Love This!

If you love cats as much as we do, then you want the best for them. Packed with feline information, stories, videos, tips and the latest ‘cat’ news, this is the ultimate guide to cats.

By joining the free newsletter today, you’ll receive 2 great bonuses that will help you and your cat enjoy life all the more – the 16 page Top Ten Tips for a Healthy Cat and Pamper Your Cat, 103 pages of easy recipes for your cat to enjoy.  Join today, right here, right now.

www.HealthyCatClub.com                                                       

If you know someone who could benefit from this, feel free to pass it on !

Pamper Your Cat - free bonus

 

 

Top Ten Tips - free bonus

Summer Cat Care Tips

Summer is here and it’s time to enjoy the garden. Most felines will be perfectly safe in the great outdoors; however there are a few potential hazards to look out for. Here are some top tips to help keep your cats safe this summer:

• Pest control products
  Slug pellets containing metaldehyde can prove fatal to cats, so make sure your products are feline-friendly.
• Barbeques
  Cats may well be tempted by the smell of barbeques, so make sure you cool the coals with water so they don’t burn themselves if they do go to investigate.
• Plants and flowers
  Check your plants are feline friendly, certain plants and flowers can be toxic to cats, particularly lilies. Even brushing against them then licking the pollen from their fur could prove fatal. For a full list of potentially dangerous plants, visit the Feline Advisory Bureau website.
• Sun
  Cats can get skin cancer from too much exposure to the sun. White and pale cats or those with sparse hair on their ears are more at risk. A high factor sunblock which is safe for babies can be applied to vulnerable areas such as the ears, though most cats will clean this off. If possible keep your cat indoors or in the shade between 11am and 4pm when the sun is at its hottest.
• Keep doors shut
  Be sure to keep the doors of greenhouses and sheds closed to prevent cats from entering and becoming trapped.
• Flea treatment
  Fleas thrive in hot weather, so make sure your cat is protected against them. Consult your vet for the best treatment for your cat.