Project list
Sign in to your account
With project lists you can...
Please sign in or create an account to use Project Lists
By /
In an effort to protect our wildlife, many councils have begun introducing regulations to stop pet cats roaming. Not only is this good news for our native animals and neighbours, it’s also good news for your cat, says Kylie McKendry of The Cat Protection Society of NSW.
“Cats that are kept indoors are protected from the dangers of cars, cat fights, infectious diseases, injury, other animals and people,” Kylie says. “The average lifespan of a cat with outdoor access is estimated to be some 10 years shorter than that of an indoor-only cat.” Kylie offers this advice for a contented indoor cat.
“Cats can live perfectly healthy and happy lives completely indoors, as long as you provide them with opportunities to express normal behaviours – things such as climbing frames, scratching posts, window perches, food puzzles, toys, potted cat grass and hiding spots,” says Kylie. While cats don’t need to go outside, they like to see what’s happening, so place their scratching post or bed near a window (window hammocks with suction cups are popular).
Having your cat inside also means you’ll get to spend more time bonding with them. Even if they’re past the kitten stage, your cat will appreciate at least 30 minutes of play each day – pick a toy you can play with together, such as a wand. A daily grooming session is another great way to spend quality time with your purrball.
“Cats need hiding spots or quiet places they can retreat to if they get stressed,” says Kylie. “Provide them with an igloo bed or box they can hide in if they need time out. Make use of vertical space within your home, as cats love escaping to a high platform that enables them to look down on their world.”
It’s also important to have the right litter tray. Kylie says your cat should be able to turn around comfortably inside the tray and have enough headroom. A bit of privacy is appreciated too, as is regular changing of the litter.
If you’d like your cat to have fresh air, try an outdoor enclosure. “There are many options for cat containment, from building an enclosure to installing catproof fencing or enclosing a balcony area to create a ‘catio’,” says Kylie. “Some cats will find ingenious ways to thwart an enclosure that may not be apparent at first, so whatever your final design, it is very important to supervise your cats in their new enclosure to observe their behaviour and make sure they are unable to escape.” Check out this guide to create your own cat run.
Check out Bunnings’ range of cat supplies, from food to toys.
Photo Credit: Getty Images
Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.
When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.
