Be a great cat guardian.
A cat guardian is a person who looks after a cat, making sure it is safe, healthy, and happy. It’s another way of saying cat owner but focuses more on caring and protecting the cat. Thinking about our relationship with cats as ‘caregivers’ or ‘guardians’ rather than 'owners' better reflects the status they have and deserve as sentient beings.
Resources.
Some useful resources are provided below - however, what provided is in no way an exhaustive list! There's a lot to know such as how to keep a cat safe and happy at home, or knowing what to do with an injured stray cat, or a lost kitten.
Still curious? Check out our 'About' page to find links to the NCMG member websites. There's loads more information that may satisfy your curiosity (which did not kill the cat!).
Choosing where to get a cat.
There's a lot to consider when introducing a new cat to your family - they are a lifelong commitment. There's lots of free advice available, some of which is at links below. Check out the professional help available too.
In the NCMG Report, see section 8.4.1 - Cat Owners, and you can find more information here:
SPCA
NZVA
Help - I need a professional!
Your veterinarian can advise on your cat's health care needs. As well, your cat has behavioural, nutritional and environmental needs. Luckily, there are heaps of people who have loads of knowledge on these things too.
In the NCMG Report, see section 8.3.2 Veterinarians, and you can find more information here:
NZVA
CANZ
Know your responsibilities.
Being responsible for a cat is far more than just feeding and loving them! Regular veterinary care, microchipping (with chip registration), desexing, vaccination, de-worming and meeting cats' welfare needs should be on your list.
In the NCMG Report, see section 6.1 Encouraging Responsible Cat Ownership, and you can find more information here:
MPI
NZVA
CANZ
Be a good neighbour.
What should be done with a cat or kitten that turns up on your door? Do you know who to ring and about paper collars? Many people are unsure and want to do the right thing - advice on 'the right thing' is found below.
In the NCMG Report, see section 6.3 Public Engagement in Stray and Feral Cat Management, and you can find more information here:
SPCA
CANZ
Safe & happy at home.
Keeping cats safe and happy at home is really important for cat welfare and protection of native species. It's not just about shutting the door to the outside - cats have needs that must be met to provide them with a good life.
In the NCMG Report, see section 6.1.4 Keeping Cats at Home, and you can find more information here:
SPCA
Caring for colony cats.
Ideally, Aotearoa would not have stray nor feral cats - ideally, we'd see 'every cat in a lap,' having a good life. Until then, we advocate for a consistent approach to colony care. When sentient animals are killed, that must be humane.
In the NCMG Report, see section 6.3 Public Engagement in Stray and Feral Cat Management, and you can find more information here:
MPI
NZVA
SPCA