Important Information
The Dog & Cat Management Board introduced Dog & Cat Reforms as of 1 July 2018 which requires ALL new generations of dogs and cats, (born after 1st July 2018) to be desexed and ALL dogs & cats over a certain age to be microchipped.
Council, at this time, has resolved not to be actively involved in cat management.
Further information visit Good Cat SA.
Desexing
Sterilisation is highly recommended for any cat before it reaches sexual maturity which can be as early as four or five months of age. There are usually more kittens born than there are homes for them, so don't let your feline family member add to the growing problem of homeless and unwanted cats.
Identification
Although it is not compulsory for you to identify your cat, an ID tag could save your cat's life, as when off your property, it could be trapped or removed as a stray.
Vaccination and Worming
When you obtain your kitten or cat, and if it hasn't been vaccinated or wormed (a vaccination certificate should be available if the cat/kitten has been vaccinated), take your cat to the veterinarian for a health check. Your vet will advise if it needs vaccination and how regularly this should be done. Cats can suffer from several types of worms and parasites so they need regular worming treatment. Ask your local vet about a suitable worming program, as some worms are known to affect human health.
Safety
All pet cats should be encouraged to remain indoors from dusk to dawn. This saves your cat from war wounds and abscesses that result from nocturnal cat fights. This action will safeguard both native wildlife and your cat from storms or traffic and will result in a happy neighbourhood who doesn't have to listen to the cat's idea of a 'fun night out'.