134 Chapter 9A major drawback of adopting an adult cat is that it may not be so easy to find out
information regarding its previous and early life, and some cats relinquished to rescue
centres are there because of behaviour problems that they exhibited in their previous
homes. However, feline behaviour issues are very often linked to their environment, so
behaviours that occurred in a previous home might not occur in a different environment.
Box 9.2. The responsibilities of cat ownership.
●●A pet owner is responsible for the safety, health, and welfare of any animal in their
care. This responsibility should continue for the whole of the animal’s life. If the pet
is a cat this may be for 15 years or more.
●●The owner has responsibility to ensure that the cat is always provided with fresh clean
water and a well-balanced diet that meets its individual nutritional requirements.
●●The owner is responsible for providing a safe and clean environment that provides
protection from hazards, shelter from cold and wet, places to hide and comfortable,
draught-free places to rest undisturbed. Sufficient space, comfort and diversity of
surroundings should be provided to allow the cat to engage in normal behaviours.
The cat must also have easy access to suitable toileting areas. If indoor litter trays
are provided these must be cleaned and emptied regularly to reduce the risk of
disease and associated behaviour issues.
●●The owner is responsible for providing that the cat has access to preventative health
care as advised by their veterinary surgeon and appropriate professional veterinary
treatment for disease or injury.
●●A pet cat that is not intended for breeding should be neutered before or very soon
after reaching sexual maturity, to reduce the risk of unwanted pregnancies and to
avoid health and hormonally influenced unwanted or antisocial behaviour issues,
such as fighting, urine marking and excessive vocalization.
●●The owner is responsible for ensuring that the cat does not cause a nuisance or
damage to other people, their pets or property.
●●The owner is responsible for ensuring that suitable care for the cat continues when-
ever they are unable to care for it themselves, for example due to sickness or
holidays. They should also ensure that the person who will be looking after the cat
fully understands its needs and any special requirements. The cat must never be
left with anyone who might hurt or frighten it.
●●If an owner is unsure of any aspect related to the care and welfare requirements
of their pet they must contact a suitably qualified cat care specialist, for example:
●●Veterinary surgeon.
●●Veterinary nurse/ technician.
●●Animal behaviourist.
●●Animal welfare organization.
In the UK, failure to meet the welfare needs of a pet cat or causing unnecessary suf-
fering might lead to prosecution under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.
The Code of Practice for the Welfare of Cats 2006
(https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/
file/69392/pb13332-cop-cats-091204.pdf )
Cats and the Law: a plain English guide. The Cat Group
(www.thecatgroup.org.uk/pdfs/Cats-law-web.pdf)