Cat-Friendly Housing
Name at least THREE considerations for a 'cat-proof' outdoor enclosure (catio).
Escape-proof fencing (inward rolling tops or netting), no toxic plants, shade & shelter, safe surfaces, secure entry & exit points (dep. on context: double-doors, micro-chip controlled cat door, etc.)
How many litter trays should a household with 3 cats have?
4 trays
Rule: one per cat PLUS one extra
For choice and control.
What is the approx. recurring annual cost to care for a cat?
Average NZ$1,000-2,500 per year depending on diet quality, veterinary costs, insurance and health status
What is Body Condition Score (BCS) and how is it assessed in cats?
Standardised 1-9 (1-5) scale assessing fat cover and muscle mass. Visual & palpation of ribs, spine, and waist. Score of 4-5/9 is ideal.
Give THREE selection criteria for a cat bed to support safety & comfort - one must be shape-related.
deep, soft, warm, raised edge, open and covered options
Drinking water: should drinking bowls be a) wide & shallow, b) wide & deep, or c) narrower & deeper
Wide and shallow so whiskers don’t touch the side of the bowl
What litter tray size is recommended relative to the cat's body length?
1.5 times the cat's body length (nose to tail base) - most commercial trays are too small.
Name THREE legal or regulatory responsibilities of cat owners in New Zealand.
Registration (only some councils), mandatory microchipping (since 2025?), desexing requirements in some councils, nuisance or roaming bylaws, duty of care under Animal Welfare Act 1999 (meet physical, health & behavioural needs)
Describe a correct nail trimming procedure for a cat and how often it should be done.
Use purpose-made cat nail clippers. Clip only the very tip to avoid the quick (blood & nerve supply). Check weekly, clip every 3-6 weeks as needed.
Should cats wear collars? Give one advantage and one disadvantage.
Depends: m/c safer & more reliable for ID; must have break-away collar to reduce injury risk (entanglement, deep wounds, strangulations), must be well fitted; useful to attach bell, reflective strip, magned for cat door. Indoor cats do not need them.
Name THREE essential environmental provision that are cat-specific and essential for INDOOR cat welfare.
Anything that supports natural behaviour: appropriate scratching posts/pads | climbing trees/elevated shelves | hiding spots/snuggle sacks/igloo | litter trays
Name TWO reasons a cat might stop using their litter tray.
Any two: tray too small, wrong litter type/depth, not cleaned frequently enough, location too busy/noisy, medical issues (UTI, constipation), negative association, tray hooded when cat prefers open
Describe THREE practical methods to contain a cat to a property.
Fully enclosed catio/run; cat-proof fencing system (roller tops or angle brackets), GPS tracking collar for monitoring; microchipping and ID tagging for recovery; cat door with M/C reader
Explain the difference between ad libitum, portion-controlled and puzzle feeding, and which is best for weight management?
Ad libitum = food always available (obesity risk) | Portion-controlled = set meals | Puzzle feeders = portions delivered through enrichment
2. & 3. slows intake & provides mental stimulation
How could you best provide food to make feeding a more natural (but still humane!) experience? How (feeding method) and how often would you feed?
In the wild: hunt & consume several small meals (~10 mice per day) spread throughout the day and night - not two larger meals from a bowl but more frequent food-based enrichment
Give one example for each Animal Welfare Domain and how you can provide positive experiences related to housing under each domain.
Health: non-slip safe flooring to prevent injuries | housing are easy to clean
Behavioural Interactions: adequate space for natural behaviour | allow for social interaction but also separation as needed (allow for play, exploration, social bonding)
Nutrition: multiple feeding areas to reduce competition | offer food with puzzle feeders | separate feeding areas from resting and toileting areas (safety, natural behaviour, hygiene & comfort)
Physical Environment: shelter, shade, ventilation | comfortable soft, dry & clean bedding (thermal comfort & physical ease)
Mental State: stimulating housing features to allow natural behaviour | consistent routines & safe spaces (security, curiosity, confidence)
How frequently should a litter tray be fully emptied and disinfected, and what cleaner should you use?
Spot clean throughout the day, full clean at least weekly (more often if needed or depending on context); use unscented pet-safe disinfectant or diluted bleach (well rinsed). Avoid strong scents - cats avoid scented trays.
Name THREE ways that desexing a cat affects its behaviour.
Significantly reduces urge to roam, reduces fighting, reduces spraying, reduced vocalisation, increases weight
A cattery cat is scratching itself and you find small black specks in its cage. What is this? How can you help the cat?
Flea dirt (digested blood).
Vet-approved topical or oral flea product for ALL pets in the household. Treat environment (wash bedding, vacuum, flea bomb)
Which is NOT a pillar of the 5 Pillars of a Healthy Feline Environment? - Safe Space | Multiple & Separate Resources | Opportunity for Play & Predatory Behaviour | Access to Outdoor Space | Positive & Predictable Human Interaction | Respect for Scent?
Access to Outdoor Space
Give THREE example of enrichment (not essential cat-specific environmental provisions) for indoor cats.
Puzzle feeders | Interactive digital games | Cat nip or novel scents | Training activities | Cat wands
Important distinction made by behaviourists: Essential resources/needs (must be provided) - Enrichment (additional opportunities that enhance welfare)
What zoonotic risk is associated with cat faeces, and how can you protect yourself?
Toxoplasma gondii - most at risk are pregnant women and immunocompromised individuals. Always wear gloves when cleaning trays.
What is TNR and how is it used to manage community/feral cat populations?
Trap-Neuter-Return. Feral cats are humanely trapped, desexed and ear-tipped (to identify as neutered), then returned to their colony. Reduces population over time and is considered more humane and effective than lethal control.
At what age should kittens receive their first vaccination and name a disease that the core vaccine covers?
1. vaccine at 6-8 weeks of age: Core vaccine - Feline Herpesvirus (cat flu), Feline Calicivirus (cat flu), Feline Panleukopaenia (Feline distemper)
What depth of litter do cats prefer? a) No depth - just some litter is fine, b) 1 cm, c) 3 cm, d) 5 cm
3cm
Research on litter-box preferences has found that cats typically prefer litter that allows: