{"id":1303,"date":"2015-07-31T07:50:13","date_gmt":"2015-07-31T07:50:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.zookie.com.au\/?page_id=1303"},"modified":"2024-01-03T13:39:40","modified_gmt":"2024-01-03T13:39:40","slug":"24-hour-cat-curfew-say-what","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.zookie.com.au\/pawesome\/news\/24-hour-cat-curfew-say-what\/","title":{"rendered":"24-hour cat curfew\u2014say what?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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The Federal Government is proposing that cat owners keep their pets indoors to help protect native wildlife<\/strong> and prevent domestic cats from breeding with wild cats\u2014that are causing a bunch of other native species to face extinction.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s believed that almost 1,800 Australian species are facing extinction<\/strong>, mostly due to feline behaviour<\/strong>. As such, it\u2019s likely that approximately 2 million feral cats will be culled as part of a national Threatened Species Strategy.<\/p>\n

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\"\"Cat containment is one way in which pet and animal lovers can help protect native species<\/strong> of animals and lower the currently high extinction rate that Australia holds.<\/p>\n

Bringing your cat in at night<\/strong><\/a> is a responsible action to take as it not only helps protect our native animals, but it also protects your meowing mate from danger.<\/p>\n

Measures are already underway in some Canberra suburbs and the RSPCA has said it prefers cats to be kept indoors<\/strong>. However, some cats don\u2019t cope well with confinement, becoming stressed and anxious, so it pays to do your research before you decide to keep your cat indoors.<\/strong><\/p>\n

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How to keep your cat happy indoors<\/strong><\/p>\n

Let\u2019s face it; indoor cats can have a pretty cushy life\u2014lounging around on the sofa, sunning themselves on the window sill, stretching out on the shagpile rug! It\u2019s no wonder the average life span for an indoor cat is waay longer than that for an outdoor cat<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Of course, if your cat has been enjoying the outdoor way of life, becoming an indoor cat might take some adjustment<\/strong> but your mog will be arguably safer hanging at home\u2014plus there are lots of ways to make inside just as exciting as The Great Outdoors<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Food-dispensing toys<\/strong><\/p>\n

Cats naturally love to hunt so a gadget that engages this hunting behaviour in a non-harmful way is just the ticket<\/strong>. A food-dispensing toy makes your cat work for his food but a little effort goes a long way, as the reward is a tasty treat.<\/p>\n

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Games<\/strong><\/p>\n

Cardboard boxes, balls and string can be heaps of fun for kitty but the trick is to switch the toys from time to time to keep playtimes interesting<\/strong>. You could also invest in a cat tree (or make one!). Cat trees offer awesome climbing opportunities, while making the most of vertical spaces (great for small houses or apartment living). Place the tree near a window and your cat will still feel like he\u2019s living an outdoors life.<\/p>\n

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Bring the outdoors in<\/strong><\/p>\n

Create a jungle with some cat-friendly plants<\/strong> or lay down some cat grass. Alternatively set up a secure outdoor area so your puss can still feel the breeze and enjoy that \u2018al fresco\u2019 feeling.<\/p>\n

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Scratching posts<\/strong><\/p>\n

Cats love to scratch\u2014not what you want to hear if you\u2019re thinking of confining your cat but better to know now, rather than later when your furniture is ripped to shreds, right?<\/p>\n

Scratching lets your mog mark its territory, give her muscles a workout and get rid of broken claws<\/strong> so it\u2019s a good idea to set up a few scratching areas in your home.<\/p>\n

What do you think of the Government\u2019s proposed plan for the 24-hour containment of domestic cats?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The Federal Government is proposing that cat owners keep their pets indoors to help protect native wildlife and prevent domestic cats from breeding with wild cats\u2014that are causing a bunch of other native species to face extinction. It\u2019s believed that almost 1,800 Australian species are facing extinction, mostly due to feline behaviour. As such, it\u2019s … <\/p>\n

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