Confining Cats
Our Macedon Ranges Shire has a cat curfew from sunset to sunrise - so while you may still be focussed on COVID containment, don’t neglect to confine your cat.
What does a cat curfew really mean? How do you contain a cat, this independent little “king of the beasts”? If your cat is accustomed to roaming at all hours, then you have some work ahead of you.
It makes sense to convince your feline friend to hunker down at home of an evening. The goal is to reduce the cats’ significant predatory impact on nocturnal wildlife, reduce injury to your own cat from fighting or road trauma, and minimise nuisance to your neighbours.
You have three options: 100% indoor, indoor with an outside containment space, or indoor-outdoor cat-living.
Many cats can be content with a 100% indoor lifestyle. Keep life interesting with vertical play spaces, cat towers, high shelves for sleeping and hiding, and access to sunny spots by the window,. Spend some time in play with your cat, with laser lights, feathery or fluffy chase-toys, or moving mobiles. You may need a deterrent (such as water spray, or a sharp noise) to stop your cat darting outside whenever the door is opened, and ensure there are multiple litter tray options.
To provide an outside containment space, you may install a cat-proof netted or caged enclosure accessible from an open window, or attempt to make your entire yard cat-proof. Cats are notorious Houdini's, and accomplished climbers, so a high fence will not usually suffice. Roller batons or an internal-facing wire or netting on the fence topline discourage cats jumping to escape. Your cat will find the weakest point, so look for a loophole before your cat finds one.
If you’re aiming for an indoor-outdoor balance, review the activity, sleep, and feeding patterns of your cat. Promote an environment where he gets his play, exercise and entertainment through the day, then always comes inside for dinner.
Cats love routine - it is up to you to create the rules: be inside by sunset.
For Gisborne Gazette July 2020