Welfare of cats: code of practice

Section 1: the need for a suitable environment

1.1. This section offers guidance on providing your cat with a suitable place to live.

Sleeping and resting areas

You should make sure that your cat has the opportunity to sleep in a comfortable, dry place

1.2. Different cats will have different needs. Cats that are not very tame, such as some farm cats, may prefer to live outdoors in more basic shelter. Cats that are used to being inside are more likely to prefer the warmth and comfort of indoors.

1.3. Cats should have:

• a sleeping/resting area that is comfortable, dry and draught free. In households where there are two or more cats there should be sufficient separate places for each cat to rest
• areas to hide, such as an enclosed bed or a box, although some cats will prefer to hide under a chair or under a bed
• opportunities to climb and jump, such as a simple 'platform' type bed or safe access to shelves and the tops of cupboards

1.4. All animals need to rest and cats need to rest or sleep for long periods. If cats cannot find somewhere they feel safe to rest, their sleep may be disrupted and this can affect their health.

Hygiene

1.5. Part of providing a suitable environment is making sure that it is safe, clean and hygienic.

Household hazards

1.6. Cats usually avoid eating things that are harmful. There are some circumstances, however, where their natural behaviour or curiosity will lead them to eat things which may be poisonous to them. Some examples are when:

• indoor cats that do not have much to do, or inquisitive kittens investigate potentially poisonous plants (for example lilies, mistletoe, azalea and amaryllis) that they would normally ignore. Such plants should be avoided or placed where your cat cannot reach them. Make sure that any large plants are in a stable container that cannot be knocked over
• your cat cleans poisonous substances from its fur. Because cats are meticulously clean animals that regularly groom, they will try to remove any substances that soil their coat. Therefore they are in danger of eating poisons such as paints, weedkillers, bleach and other household cleaning products, lily pollen etc. You should ensure that any potentially poisonous substances are stored safely and any spills mopped up carefully. If your cat's coat or feet have been contaminated with an unknown or potentially dangerous substance you should wrap your cat in a towel to prevent it licking and seek advice from your vet as soon as possible on the best way to remove the substance. Washing to remove substances may not always be appropriate unless dealing with something that is causing immediate irritation
• eating or applying medicines intended for people or other animals. It is important only to give cats medicine or veterinary treatment that has been specifically prescribed or advised by your vet or, in the case of non prescription medicines, by a pet care specialist. Some human medicines, including aspirin, are toxic to cats

You should always contact your vet immediately if you are concerned that your cat has come into contact with anything that could be harmful.

1.7. Other possible hazards include:

• your cat exploring appliances that arouse its curiosity such as tumble driers
• falling from heights. If you live in a tall building you should ensure that windows and balconies are cat-proofed to prevent your cat from falling. A cat can climb to quite a high level and can squeeze through a very small space, so you should check these barriers regularly

Safety at night

1.8. You may wish to consider whether it would be safer to keep cats indoors at night, when outdoor risks to their health and welfare could be greater. However, cats can be active at night and restricting them in this way may cause them stress.

When travelling

Make sure your cat is transported safely

1.9. You may need to transport your cat by car or other vehicle. In this situation, your cat has no control over its environmental temperature, its food and where it sleeps so, when travelling:

• you should make sure that your cat is not able to move freely about by putting it in a secure cat carrier of adequate size and with good ventilation. Ideally, hold the carrier firmly in place with a seat belt. If it is wedged between the seats or in the foot well of your car, it is important to ensure that there is adequate ventilation. You should also ensure that the carrier is not placed where your cat will become too hot, such as in direct sunlight or next to one of the car's heating vents. Do not put the carrier in the boot of a saloon car
• on long journeys you should regularly offer food, water and the use of a litter tray, but only within the safe confines of the vehicle when it has stopped

Your cat should never be left alone in a vehicle in warm weather

1.10. Cats should never be left unattended in a car or other vehicle in warm weather. This can cause immense suffering and be life-threatening. The temperature in the vehicle can become very high extremely quickly and cause heat stroke or death.

Toileting

Your cat should have somewhere suitable to toilet

1.11. Cats need to toilet somewhere where they can behave naturally and feel comfortable. Cats prefer a quiet, easily accessible area away from food and water. This can be an indoor tray with some suitable material, such as cat litter. However, some cats will prefer to go outside.

1.12. Some general points about toileting:

• cats should have a litter tray and/or an area in the garden where they can dig and cover urine or faeces with soil or other material
• cats generally develop a preference for a particular type of litter when they are young and it is best to stick to the type of litter your cat prefers
• cats do not like to use heavily soiled areas, so soiled litter and faeces should be removed at least once a day and the tray should be cleaned and disinfected regularly. The disinfectant should be safe for cats and thoroughly rinsed off
• a litter tray should be placed in an area where the cat feels secure and is not likely to be interrupted, especially by other cats, dogs or people;
• it is best to place the litter tray away from where the cat eats
• provide one litter tray per cat
• a cat that is straining to go to the toilet, or is going more frequently than normal may be ill. Owners should consult their vet if their cat is showing these signs
• be sure to wash your hands or wear gloves when you handle your cat's litter tray and make sure that the tray is not accessible to small children