WHAT MAKES A HOME CAT-FRIENDLY?
The UK is a nation of pet lovers, but is every home that has a pet really
suitable for it? According to Cats Protection (CP), the country’s largest
feline charity, not every home or owner is right for every pet, and the two must
be matched carefully. To mark Cats Protection Week, September 11-18, with its
theme of rehoming, the charity has devised a checklist of what makes a home
pet-friendly-—particularly for cats. At 7.7 million, pet cats have overtaken
dogs, at 6.6 million, as the nation’s favourite.
Cats Protection staff assess every potential home environment before
relinquishing any of its cats. "Each case is different," says
Christine Harrison of the organisation’s North London Shelter. "People
often get into a panic about the home visits and ask us to come by around 4 p.m.
to give them a chance to clean up, but we’re not looking for dust. We’re
assessing what type of cat (if any) would settle best in a particular
home."
Behaviour—of both people and cats—must be compatible. Cats, just like
people, vary in personality, temperament and needs, and not every cat is suited
to every situation or household. If there are children, their number and ages
should be considered. Boisterous children shouldn’t be given a timid cat, just
as someone who is handicapped or elderly will have problems coping with a lively
kitten. Toddlers can be heavy-handed with animals, and should be paired with
patient, older cats, rather than young or skittish ones. Similarly, owners
working long hours should take on older, rather than younger, cats which are
happy to keep their own company, or, alternatively, two cats who can keep each
other company.
Individual idiosyncrasies can also determine if pet and owner will click One
cat brought into the shelter hated men; apparently once abused, every time a man
entered a room, it would hiss and spit. In this case, nothing but an all-female
household would do. Specialised grooming needs may also be a factor, as
long-haired cats require daily brushing. People with allergies or asthma should
consult their doctors before adopting a pet. The pets already in a household
must be considered. Some cats do not tolerate other animals and must be homed in
a pet-free zone. Others need to be only pets for age or health reasons.
The physical environment is also important. If the cat to be rehomed is used
to the outdoors, is there a garden? And, if so, does it lead onto a railway
track or onto a busy road? Balconies of high-up flats should be enclosed, as
cats don’t understand just how far away terra firma can be. Spatial factors
must also be right. For instance, a big, eight-year-old cat used to a house will
feel confined if rehomed to a tiny bedsit. Furnishings may also play a role. One
woman with a beautiful, new leather sofa had applied for kittens. During the
home visit, CP staff asked the woman how much she liked the sofa. The woman
opted for an older cat.
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