OHS Position Statement: Domestic Companion Animals - Cats
Pet owners have a responsibility to their companion animal. Companion animals depend on their owners to meet their needs.
The overpopulation of cats and the high rate of their abandonment are indications that cats are seen as disposable pets by many people. Greater responsibility must be taken by anyone who acquires a cat.
The Ottawa Humane Society (OHS) believes that responsible cat ownership encompasses:
- research about a prospective companion cat before making a decision;
- appropriate housing, nutrition and exercise;
- regular veterinary care, including vaccination and spay/neuter;
- human attention on a daily basis;
- safe and secure confinement to owner’s property and under control when off owner’s property;
- proper identification;
- adherence to municipal animal control bylaws.
The OHS believes that cats’ access to the outdoors must be limited to cat-safe enclosures and/or supervised excursions on a properly fitted harness. Indoor cats have a much longer life expectancy and enjoy better health. Their psychological wellbeing can safely be met indoors through games, toys and appropriate places for resting, hiding and viewing.
The OHS believes that cats can be trained and enjoy training provided positive reinforcement methods are used. Cats also enjoy being groomed using cat appropriate grooming tools. As enjoyable interactive activities, training and grooming enhances the pet owner’s bond with their companion cat.
Caring for a companion cat involves a commitment to the animal’s well-being for its lifetime
For information on the selection, care and training of cats as companion animals, visit the
- Cat pet tips section of the OHS website: more >
- Cat information section on the website of the Canadian Federation of Humane societies
- For information on spay/neuter, visit: more >
- For information on identification, visit: more >
Passed by the OHS Board of Directors August 26, 2008
