Welfare of cats: code of practice

Section 4: any need to be housed with, or apart from, other animals

4.1. This section offers guidance on providing your cat with suitable company.

Your cat should have the choice of avoiding other cats

Socialisation

4.2. Our modern-day domestic cats originated from a species that lived a very solitary life. Although they may choose to be sociable with other cats, they are not as good at organising themselves into 'social groups' as are a more naturally social species like dogs.

Relations with other cats

4.3. Cats can form social groups with other cats that they have grown up with or know well, but will feel very threatened by cats outside this well-known group. The tolerance of cats towards other cats also varies with their early experiences (see Section 3) so their ability and desire to socialise can vary enormously. Cats may fight regularly and such fighting can result in serious injuries. It is, therefore, best not to keep too many cats together, especially if they do not have access to the outside.

4.4. Where cats come into close contact with other cats which they do not know or like, they may become very stressed; this is the commonest cause of stress in cats. Therefore, it is important for you to know how your cats react to other cats, both those kept in the same house as well as those in the neighbourhood. In multi-cat households individual cats that do not like each other should be able to avoid each other.

4.5. Stressed cats may sit still or hide, trying to avoid interactions with other cats. In some cases they may soil or spray indoors or exhibit other signs of stress (see Section 3).

Relations with other animals and people

Notice how your cat reacts to other pets or people, and make sure that it is able to avoid them if it wants to

4.6. Adults or children who do not understand the needs of cats, or how to handle them correctly, can cause them stress. Responsible adults should ensure that cats in their care are handled properly and are not stressed or endangered by other adults, children or animals. Dogs should be introduced to cats very carefully; the dog should be held safely on a lead at first so that it cannot chase the cat.

When you are away from home

You must arrange for your cat to be cared for if you are away from home

4.7. You have a responsibility to make sure that your cat is cared for properly when you go away. Many cats prefer to stay in their familiar environment, but you should take into consideration how your cat will cope in your absence, how long you will be away and whether a neighbour or cat sitter will be able to meet your cat's needs. You must never leave your cat in circumstances which are likely to cause it unnecessary suffering.

4.8. When someone else is looking after your cat they are responsible for its welfare and you should ensure that they understand its needs and any special requirements that it may have.

4.9. You may wish to consider whether a good cattery would be better, where your cat can be monitored more closely and cared for by someone knowledgeable on how to look after it. All boarding catteries must be licensed by the local authority.

Number of animals

4.10. If many cats are kept together, this can contribute to a stressful and unhealthy environment. Large numbers of animals need a great deal of care and you should not keep a large number of cats if you cannot meet their welfare needs. If they are not kept in hygienic conditions the environment can become contaminated with infectious agents that can cause disease and may spread between animals (see Section 5 for more details).