Cats and people

• What is the Animal Welfare Act?



• I am going on holiday. What can I do with my cat whilst I am away?



• My cat has gone missing. What should I do to try and find him?



• What is involved in looking after a cat? (What costs am I likely to incur?)



• How will having a cat affect my lifestyle?



• I am allergic to cats, is there a way I can own one?



• I have developed asthma, would it be best if my cat left our house?

What is the Animal Welfare Act?

The Animal Welfare Act received Royal Assent on 8 November 2006 and came into effect in England and Wales on 6 April 2007. The Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006 was passed in October. These new laws represented the biggest change in Animal Welfare Law for nearly one hundred years and CP whole-heartedly welcomes the new legislation.

So what does it do? Well until the act came into effect, those responsible for pets could only be prosecuted for cruelty once cruelty had occurred. The new laws introduced, for the first time, a legal duty on pet owners to provide for all of their pet’s needs, including:

• A proper diet (food and water)
• Somewhere suitable to live
• Addressing any need to be housed with, or apart from, other animals
• The opportunity to express normal behaviour
• Protection from pain, suffering, injury and disease

The laws also increase the penalties for those who commit the most serious offences of cruelty against animals.

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I am going on holiday. What can I do with my cat whilst I am away?

Cats are territorial and happiest in familiar surroundings, so if you are going away for a while it is best to make arrangements with someone you can trust to take care of him in his own home. If this isn't possible you should contact the Feline Advisory Bureau on 01747 871872 or visit their website for a list of recommended boarding catteries. (Remember your cat will need up to date vaccinations before entering a cattery).

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My cat has gone missing. What should I do to try and find him?

It is always very difficult for an owner when their cat goes missing, but it is important not to give up hope. The first thing to do should your cat go missing is thoroughly search your house and garden, looking in warm spots (under beds, in cupboards, behind wardrobes). When searching call out your cat's name and use strong food smells to lure him out. Ask neighbours to check their sheds, garages and outhouses for signs of your cat too.

If your search proves fruitless start phoning around local veterinary surgeries (an injured cat may have been handed in), phone local animal rescue organisations and the local council. Put up lost cat posters in your area (use a photo if you have one and include a telephone number). You could also consider placing an advert in the local paper, offering a reward could encourage more response. Don't give up, cats can reappear many months after disappearing.

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What is involved in looking after a cat? (What costs am I likely to incur?)

Owning a cat is a big responsibility and one that should not be entered into lightly. Nowadays a cat can live for up to 20 years or even more, you will need to be able to commit to caring for him for his whole life.

There are essential cat care items, like food, litter, toys, bedding etc which will need to be bought. In addition to this you will need to account for routine veterinary care (the cost of annual health checks, vaccinations, neutering, de-worm and de-flea treatments). Getting your cat microchipped is also an extremely important investment. Pet insurance will help towards the cost of major illness and emergency treatment and you may also need to budget for cattery fees when you are away.

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How will having a cat affect my lifestyle?

You will need to think carefully before getting a cat as it is a real commitment. You'll need to make time for play, grooming and fuss Make sure that your new cat or kitten doesn't become a nuisance to neighbours, ensure arrangements are made for his care when you go on holiday and be prepared for him to display his natural instincts (like bringing home prey).

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I am allergic to cats, is there a way I can own one?

There are now products on the market, which, if used regularly, can allow people who are allergic to felines to keep a cat. One such product is Petal Cleanse, made by Biolife International. The product is applied to a cat weekly and reduces dander from the coat, which can cause allergic reactions. For more detailed information visit their website or call their allergy advice line on 01608 686626. Alternatively some breeds of cat are better pets for allergy suffers as they have less fur, eg Devon Rex or Cornish Rex.

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I have developed asthma, would it be best if my cat left our house?

Before parting with your cat do try Petal Cleanse, a product which decreases allergy-causing dander. For more detailed information visit the manufacturer, Biolife International's website or phone their allergy advice line on 01608 686626. There are ways to keep your cat should you or a member of your family, develop asthma so don't give up right away.

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