Code plans care of cats

Proposed new welfare laws for cats will require owners to feed young kittens twice a day and forbid them from allowing the fur of long-haired cats to become matted.

The draft animal welfare code, published yesterday by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, will set minimum standards for issue ranging from transport to food and water, cages and collars.

The code, written by the Companion Animal Council, says it will be an offence to abandon a cat, and that no cats should be killed by drowning.

It also warns that increased concern for native wildlife means failure to control cats hunting native birds, insects, skinks and geckos could, over time, result in a backlash against cats.

It says if cats are well fed, most will kill only small numbers of wild animals, particularly if responsible owners keep them indoors between dusk and dawn.

- NZPA