After selecting the cat that is suitable for your family and your home, think about the following tips to keep your cat safe:

PROPER IDENTIFICATION can mean the difference between life and death for your cat.

YOUR CAT CAN BE RETURNED if lost or at a shelter.  Currently more than 95% of cats in shelters are not reunited with their owners.  This record can be improved through identification that may include:

• A special cat collar that fits snugly (two finger spaces sideways), but stretches, allowing your cat to escape if it gets caught.  A reflective strip on the collar is another good idea.
• An identification tag, label or licence with the cat's name, your name and address and telephone number provides identification.
• A microchip can be inserted under the skin of your cat by a veterinarian or by some humane societies.

REMEMBER your cat is special to you.  If others can identify your special companion, then your cat can come back.

There are overwhelming numbers of surplus cats.  Tragically, many unwanted pets are euthanised each year.  Spaying or neutering:
 

• Prevents future births of hundreds of homeless pets.  Even if you find homes for your cat's kittens from just one litter, those kittens may produce generations of homeless cats.

• Helps prevent uterine or ovarian cancers and allay the frustration (often for both you and your cat) of the week long periods of being in heat that are repeated throughout the year.
• Prevents aggression in males, roaming, spraying in the house and strong smelling urine.

• Will not make your cat fat.  Cats get overweight because of too little exercise or overfeeding.  Caloric needs often change as cats mature and this fact must be considered.

There are many benefits to having your special cat companion as an indoor pet.  A compromise may be to allow the cat out under supervised restraint. 

THE AVERAGE LIFE SPAN OR A CAT who lives outdoors is only 3 to 5 years.  Cats are at risk of being hit by cars, being poisoned, getting an infection, or stolen. 

OUTDOOR CATS FACE abuse from strangers, fleas and other parasites.  They may also do serious damage to struggling wildlife populations, especially birds. 

LIFE INSIDE CAN BE INTERESTING, healthy and fulfilling.  A happy cat has the warmth, shelter, affection, nutritious food and interesting diversions it needs, right in the home.  Setting aside time for your pet each day will benefit both you and your cat. 

Responsible care can include walking your cat outside on a harness and leash.  Invisible fencing is also available for cats.

Healthy cats visit their veterinarian at least once a year for an examination and vaccinations to prevent disease.

A DAILY NOSE-TO-TAIL CHECK of your cat will reveal unusual signs.  Sudden changes in eating habits or litter box use, other behaviour changes, lumps, rashes and coughs/sneezes could be signs of illness that may require a visit to a veterinarian.  Remember an indoor cat gets less illnesses.

YOUR CAT'S VETERINARIAN (carefully chosen) will provide advice on common diseases and good nutrition.  Healthy cats are fed good quality cat food and never human food.  Contrary to popular myth, milk is not good for cats.

DECLAWING is a painful surgical process and is not necessary except as a last resort.  Cat's nails can be trimmed regularly, a scratching post provided and behaviour modification used (praise appropriate behaviour or use a firm voice or a small squirt of water when you see inappropriate scratching).

• has proper identification

• is spayed or neutered

• has a healthy, safe and stimulating environment

• visits the veterinarian yearly to get checked and have vaccinations

• is monitored daily for unusual signs

• is provided with adequate food and water

• gets daily affection

• is groomed and has its claws trimmed regularly

• is kept inside or supervised and protected when outside

• gets a daily play time with me