Cats, just like dogs, are highly valued pets in Australian communities. They adapt well to our lifestyle and are great companions for people who live in high density areas.

However, serious problems can occur if cats are permitted to roam outdoors between dusk and dawn. Around 80 per cent of accidents involving cats occur at night.

You can protect your cat and our wildlife, as well as avoiding problems with neighbours, by confining your cat at night. Contrary popular belief, cats do not need to roam. Provided their basic needs are met, cats can enjoy longer and healthier lives when confined at night or even for twenty-four hours a day.

A cat can be trained to accept confinement. Skip its morning feed and call it in at night to be fed. Don't feed your cat until it comes inside. It will learn to be home by dusk. Once inside, don't let the cat out again until morning. Ensure your cat has a cosy and well-ventilated sleeping area, with food, water and a liter tray. It will adapt to the night time confinement within a few days. 

When confining cats for a long period of time, it is necessary to enrich their environment. This will prevent them from becoming bored and developing behavioral problems.  You can do this by:

• Providing them companionship (from yourself or another pet) and exercise  through play.
• Providing toys for your cat and also hiding places (e.g. cardboard boxes).
• Providing access to window ledges for sunshine, or place a chair near a window.

Owners are required to confine cats to their property. You can do this through the provision of a cat enclosure. Advice on the right enclosure for your situation is available from your pet shop or vet. Refer to the Yellow Pages under ‘Pet Shop Suppliers'.

RESPONSIBLE PET OWNERSHIP STARTS WITH YOU!