RSPCA has unveiled its new program, Rethink Roaming, a website to help cat owners understand the risk of allowing their pets to roam the streets unattended.
While letting cats roam might seem natural, they’re up to three times more likely to die, can lose up to 10 years off their life, and cat owners who allow their cats to roam face 400 percent higher vet bills.
Speaking about the campaign, RSPCA Victoria’s Head of Prevention, Rebecca Cook, said the campaign prioritised helping people keep their cats safe.
“From being hit by cars, getting into fights, or catching diseases, the risks are so much greater than people expect.”
To use the website, and view these risks yourself, simply go to rethinkroaming.com.au
Enter your postcode, the number of hours per day and night your cat roams and the sex of your cat, and press the search button.
When you scroll down, you’ll see the true risks of leaving your cat outside.
For example, if your male cat wanders around Healesville for eight hours, only during the day, you might think this is fine, as in the day drivers can still see him.
But in reality, that cat has a 120 percent increased chance of death, 160 percent increased vet visits and bills and four years off of his life expectancy.
But don’t feel lost, if your cat really hates staying indoors, scroll further down on the site, the RSPCA has provided nearly 50 solutions to help you keep your cat contained and content.
Additionally, in the Yarra Ranges, by law, your cat must stay on your premises at all times, and if it’s found elsewhere, there’s a chance it’ll be impounded.
The RSPCA pleads with you to listen to them, and take these initiatives to protect your cat, others in your neighbourhood and native wildlife.
