Welfare

Question 1

How do we ensure cats have a suitable environment?

Answer 1

Environment must be;
Safe, hazard free and sheltered
Quiet with hiding spaces
Dry and clean
Suitable toilet areas
Space to climb, exercise and play 
Adequate ventilation, draught free
Adequate ambient temperature

Question 2

How do we ensure that cats have a suitable diet?

Answer 2

Food must be kept away from the toilet area
Good supply of fresh water
Limited ability to metabolise carbs - intolerance of high carb diet
Limited ability to control aa catabolism - needs higher protein diet
Requirement for high levels taurine for bile salt formation - animal protein is a good source for taurine.

Question 3

How do we ensure cats have an ability to exercise normal behaviours?

Answer 3

Behaviour dependent on age, personality and previous experience.
Outdoor cats - hunting, less sociable w animals and humans.
Indoor cats - play hunting, enjoy animal-human socialisation.

Ensure exercise facilities - indoor/outdoor toys, hiding places, space in 3D

Question 4

How do we ensure cats have the freedom to be housed with or apart from other animals.

Answer 4

Cats have variable degree of sociability - naturally prefer living alone.
If socialised at a young age, cats can accept people, dogs, cats as friends.
Friends generally groom, rub against each other, share bedding.
Must ensure enough bowls, food so sharing is not necessary

Question 5

How can we ensure cats are free from pain, suffering, injuries and disease?

Answer 5

Cats may show pain by being withdrawn and inappetant or restless and aggressive.
Ensure routine health care - groom and vaccinate.
Regular checks for signs of ill health.
Ensure prompt treatment of illness/injury.

Question 6

What are the five freedoms/needs?

Answer 6

The need for a suitable environment
The need for a suitable diet
The need to be able to exhibit normal behaviours
The need to be housed with or apart from other animals
The need to be protected from pain, suffering, injury and disease