Cats
All cat owners have a responsibility to their cat, their community and the environment.
Cats make wonderful pets and bring pleasure and company to many families. However, if they’re not responsibly cared for and left to roam, they can:
- Create a nuisance noise by fighting over territory or seeking a mate
- Spray their urine to mark their territory and may bury their faeces in the gardens of neighbours
- Get injured by cars or fights with other animals
- Have unwanted litters
- Be fed or eat something that is not suitable or good for them
- Attack and kill native wildlife
We are committed to protecting our significant environmental areas. In some cases these areas connect to residential subdivisions where cats are not permitted to roam. Properties within these subdivisions have a requirement to keep cats contained within the property at all times. If your property is one of these, this will be noted on your property title.
Caring for your cat
When you purchase a cat ensure you obtain a vaccination certificate to ensure its vaccinations are up to date. Cats should also have a check up with a vet once a year to ensure they are healthy and worming and vaccinations are current.
De-sexing helps cats to live a healthy and long life, reduce injuries, exposure to disease, aggressive behaviour in males, roaming, spraying and noise nuisance. Desexing your cat will also help reduce the chance of having unwanted litters of kittens.
All cats must be microchipped and registered so if they do happen to get out of your property, they can be easily returned to you. Having a collar and tag with your contact details may also help get your cat back to you quicker.
Cat enclosures in Albury Wodonga
Cat containment
Most cats adapt well to living indoors, particularly from an early age. It is important to provide an interesting indoor environment for cats to prevent them from becoming bored or developing behavioural problems. You can keep your cat happy by providing:
- Plenty of toys for amusement and play;
- High resting places such as a window ledge or shelf;
- Scratching posts;
- Enclosed spaces such as a cardboard box or an igloo bed for them to hide;
- A sunny spot to lie in;
- Vegetation to nibble, sniff and rub against such as cat mint and catnip;
- Daily play sessions to help fulfil their hunting and chasing instincts.
Cat proofing your fence provides your cat with secure access to your entire yard minimising the risk of escape. Before you start with fence alterations, observe where and how your cat gets out of your yard. This may expose escape points that you were not previously aware. If need be, trim trees and remove any objects leaning against the fence. Larger tree trunks may need to be banded with Colourbond steel or polycarbonate to prevent climbing.
Ensure you seal gaps under the fence, including gates. Lock gates that aren't used frequently and fit self-closing latches to other gates. To prevent cats from climbing over your fence, you can attach lengths of two inch PVC piping along the top of the fence.
An option to cat proof your yard is by creating a net barrier along the top of your fence with inward facing overhangs. Ensure the netting is floppy as this will make your cat feel unstable and unsafe if they do try to climb it. Holes in the netting should be small enough to prevent your cat from becoming caught.
An option to cat proof your yard is by creating a net barrier along the top of your fence with inward facing overhangs. Ensure the netting is floppy as this will make your cat feel unstable and unsafe if they do try to climb it. Holes in the netting should be small enough to prevent your cat from becoming caught.
Attached enclosures
An enclosure attached to your house gives your cat access to its favourite spots inside while still being able to enjoy the outdoors safely. An existing area, such as a section between the house and fence, veranda or patio can be utilised to create an enclosure, accessed by a cat door or window opening. This can be achieved by using a lightweight support system and covering it with netting. Another option is to use a commercially bought cage, maze or tunnel. They are often sold as modules so you can add to your cat enclosure as you decide or as your budget allows.
Free-standing enclosures
You can purchase a free standing enclosure from a retailer or design your own. Free-standing enclosures allow your cat to move around outdoors safely. They will need a warm dry bed, shelter and shade, as well as access to clean fresh water and a litter tray that is located away from sleeping and eating areas. Incorporate platforms at different heights and climbing structures for your cat to enjoy. When you take your cat to and from the enclosure ensure it cannot escape. Some people harness their cats or use a cat carry cage.
Always check with Council before making changes to your property to ensure you abide by any local laws