Get ready to pounce into the world of feline fun and responsibility.
From October 21-27, Sunshine Coast Council invites everyone to join one of the many events taking place during Cats on the Coast week.
The week will bring cat lovers together to educate and inspire responsible cat ownership – all while having a purr-fectly good time!
While most cats believe they rule the roost, as their devoted humans it’s our job to ensure they lead happy, healthy lives. Cat owners must keep their cats inside or contain them in an enclosure or on leash if outside. These steps help to limit the impact on the surrounding community, particularly other animals such as birds and reptiles.
Being a responsible cat owner involves:
Registering your cat each year – Council offers lifetime registration for desexed and microchipped cats
Keeping your cat contained at all times
Walking your cat on a leash if you are outside your property
Desexing your cat – although not compulsory, this will help to reduce unwanted litters. Behavioural problems in cats can also lead to roaming issues
Microchipping your cat.
Protecting our ecosystem
A pet cat that is allowed to roam and hunt kills an average of 186 mammals, birds and reptiles per year, 100 of which are native. With more than 11,000 registered cats on the Sunshine Coast this equates to a substantial toll on our native wildlife.
This is why it is important for cats to always be contained on their property. You may need to adjust your fencing or build a cat enclosure if you want your cat to exercise outside.
Contrary to popular belief, cats don’t have to roam. If their basic needs are met, they can enjoy longer and healthier lives when confined inside or in an enclosure. Cats that roam are at risk of being run over, attacked by other animals or going missing.
When outdoors local law requires cats to be in an outdoor enclosure or on a leash. Allowing your cat to wander could result in a $322 fine.
Cats on the Coast week is also about celebrating stories of cats and their humans. Meet six month old Winter who was abandoned on the side of the road and now lives with Sean Maher.
Sean said they had been thinking about getting a friend for their other cat, who was also adopted, but had not made a firm decision.
“When we saw Winter, we knew he was the one. We couldn’t resist his charm and good looks,” Sean said.
“He was found at such a young age. 4 Paws Animal Rescue had placed him with us in a temporary foster capacity.
“When he came to live with us, we gradually saw his confidence build and he instantly bonded with our other cat and our young son who has now taught him to walk on a lead.
“We named him Winter because he was adopted on the shortest day of the year. He is a fluff ball full of energy, as soft as silk and loves to cuddle.
“Rescuing an animal is so rewarding, particularly once you get to know them and see how much love they have to give”.
Throughout Cats on the Coast week, there will be a variety of activities to raise awareness of responsible cat ownership:
Chat with an expert, at pop-up booths that will be set up at various locations, about your cat’s health, learn about keeping cats safe at home, free activities for kids and more. The free initiative is a collaboration with council and Animal Emergency Services.
On 25 October you can have your cat microchipped at Council’s Sippy Creek Animal Pound, 48 Sippy Creek Rd, Tanawha
Cost: $67, bookings are essential via animals@sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au
Enjoy story time for free at our first reading of ‘Sasha’s new home’ with our book character Sasha at the PlayMatters Imaginative Play Day on 25 October 25 at 10am at Playmatters Hub, Mons Road. No registration required.
Let’s raise our paws for responsible cat ownership during ‘Cats on the Coast’ week because every cat deserves a loving home.
Learn more at sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au by searching ‘cats on the coast’.
