How to be a responsible cat parent | owner?

 

How to be a responsible cat parent or owner in Singapore?

Hi Readers. 

Before you rush into adopting a cat, do realise that having a pet is a big responsibility. Adopting a pet means you need to commit to and take care of it for the rest of its life. They cost time and money and will require medical attention when ill or injured. Being a responsible cat owner or parent is not difficult but sadly not all are. 

Below are a list of to be a responsible cat owner:

1) Do Adopt, don't shop

2) Do Mesh your windows & gates

3) Do Sterilise your cat

4) Do See the vet regularly & give healthy food

5) Do Microchip your cat

6) Don't let it roam

1) Do Adopt, don't shop

There are many cats in shelters and with fosterers that don't have a home. They can range from kittens to adult cats and some even of a prestige breed (likely abandoned). Do consider giving such cats a home instead of buying expensive cats. 

2) Do Mesh your windows & gates

It only takes a moment of distraction for a cat to fall out of a window and cats do not have good depth perception. This means that the cat can be so engross chasing a bird that it does not notice the surroundings and fall out of windows. These are called high-rise syndrome and can be avoided by meshing. You can find many places that sells mesh online and in DIY shops. This even goes for homes on lower floors.

3) Do Sterilise your cat

Un-neutered cats have resulted in numerous unwanted litters that usually end up being abandoned or subjected to abuse.  If you are willing and able to care for more cats, choose to adopt, not breed. 

Sterilisation also helps the well-being of your cat and will reduce unwanted behaviour like excessive peeing or caterwauling.

4) Do See the vet regularly & give healthy food

For your cat to enjoy a full life, regular vet care and healthy food are necessary. Choosing healthy food for your cat will not be easy or cheap but it will mean less costly visits to the vet. It is recommended to at least visit the vet yearly for a regular check up.

5) Do Microchip your cat

A microchip is a tiny device and it is usually implanted between the shoulder blades of your pet.
It carries a unique 16-digit identification number so that your animal can be traced back to you if it has lost its way.

6) Don't let your cat roam

Roaming pet cats are the biggest source of complaints and neighbourly disputes in high-rise flats. Such incidents usually leading to rounding up of cats, be they pet cats or community cats, by pest control or in some cases, abuse. Do keep your cat indoors as much as possible. Do leash or monitor the cat if it really wants to go out.

Note: Do check out Cat Welfare Society website for cat adoptions and for the adoption procedure. Or check cat adoption Facebook groups.

Here is a picture of my adorable and playful cat, Yuri, adopted from a fosterer of Cat Welfare Society.

If you follow the above, then thank you so much for being a responsible cat parent or owner! 

Do comment, share and pin this post to grow the blog.

With Love, Nurul SG

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