Are you thinking of adding a kitten or cat to your Brisbane family? Cats make loving fur-ever friends and are great with kids, but there are some things you need to consider before bringing one into your family.
Read on to find all you need to know about owning a cat in Brisbane.
Is a cat the right pet for your family?
When deciding whether to introduce a cat into your family there are many aspects to consider, including weighing up the pros and cons.
Cats can be easier to look after than dogs as they don’t need to be walked, don’t require as much space and will sleep for large periods of the day. They are also quite independent and love human interaction so petting and playing with them is required.
The other good news is cats are relatively easy to toilet train, often using kitty litter indoors or toileting themselves outdoors. Cats also groom themselves and do not require bathing.
Overall, cats are great company and love to cuddle up with your Brisbane Kids on the couch, or play games such as chasing a ball of wool.
Kitten or adult cat?
If you have younger children, you may want to consider getting an adult cat as they are often calmer, gentler and will not require as much attention.
In addition, adult cats are often overlooked for adoption in favour of cute kittens, so you will be helping an unnoticed cat find a home, and in turn be rewarded with unconditional love. However, there really is nothing sweeter than a little ball of fluff that is a mischievous and curious kitten.
Indoor or outdoor cat?
Statistically, indoor cats will live longer lives than outdoor cats as they are less likely to be part of an accident or be attacked by a predator.
If you decide to allow your cat outdoors, you need to be considerate of your neighbours and local wildlife. An adequate enclosure should be provided to minimise your cat straying outside of your yard.
Try putting bells or reflective mirrors on your cat’s collar to protect other animals and birds.
Local council laws require all domestic animals, including cats, to be contained to their own property and prevented from wandering or escaping.
Adopting a Cat in Brisbane
There are a number of wonderful animal shelters across Brisbane which house kittens and cats waiting for a family to adopt them. These shelters are run primarily by volunteers, and they ensure that cats are healthy and of a suitable temperament for your family.
These animals are not given away – they need to be purchased to help the shelter cover their costs, but are usually cheaper than purchasing a cat from a pet store or breeder.
Here is a lit of some local animal shelters and other places where you can adopt a cat or kitten.
Brisbane City Council Animal Shelters
Brisbane City Council Approved Pet Shops
Cat Permits
If you live within the Brisbane City Council, you can keep up to three cats without a permit. If you want to keep more than three cats, you will need to apply for a permit.
Anyone selling cats or dogs as pets in Brisbane must also hold a relevant permit. Licensed sellers can only sell animals which have passed a health check and are vaccinated. Anyone selling a cat or dog are also required under State Government laws to have the animal microchipped.
Before purchasing a cat or kitten be sure to check your local council laws.
Caring for your cat
In addition to providing enough food, water, exercise and love for your pet cat, it is important to:
- identify your cat with a collar and microchip
- desex your cat before it is six months old
- vaccinate your cat annually
- worm your cat regularly
- check your cat periodically for fleas, ticks and other parasites, and treat if necessary.
Your Story – Marie, Brisbane mother of two
We travelled out to the Animal Welfare League Queensland (AWLQ) shelter one weekend and spent some time in the cat enclosures. My son was instantly drawn to our cat, Edith, who was three months old at the time.
The volunteers are very mindful of keeping the enclosures calm and quiet for the cats so our son was allowed in to her pen briefly to sit and play with her. (They will not let small children in the pens as it can be stressful for the animals and they won’t let the animals be handled too much.)
We decided that she was the cat for us. From there, a lot of paperwork was required. The AWLQ is very careful to ensure they send the animals to good homes, so they ask a lot of questions and spend lots of time answering yours to ensure the animal will settle in well. Having never owned a cat before, we had lots of questions and they were exceptionally helpful.
The AWLQ ensures all animals are de-sexed, micro-chipped and vaccinated before they leave the shelter, so the cost partly covers the vet services and partly covers the cost of accommodating the animals. Edith settled in to her new home very quickly and the kids just adore her. She is now just over a year old and a valued member of the family 🙂
Five Fun Facts About Cats
- Cats rarely meow at other cats. They save this form of communication for humans.
- Most cats are lactose intolerant, so avoid giving your cat cow’s milk.
- Cats love to eat grass, as it assists in digestion and helps prevent the accumulation of fur in their stomachs.
- In Ancient Egypt, mummies were made of cats, and embalmed mice were placed with them in tombs.
- A group of kittens is called a ‘kindle’. A group of grown cats is called a ‘clowder’.
Follow the Brisbane Kids Pet Series with our guides to Owning a Dog or Owning a Guinea Pig. The Parenting 101 section of our site contains lots of valuable parenting information, including 50 Nut Free Sandwich Fillings for Kids.
Natalie @ Ozzi Cat Magazine
Great tips, guys! A well-written article. Thank you for sharing it with potential cat owners. Cheers