Shelter health
With the generous assistance of Vanessa Barrs, Professor of Feline Medicine and Infectious Diseases at the University of Sydney, we have created Environmental and infection control guidelines for cattery operations to assist people working with cats manage the health, wellbeing and welfare of the cats in their care.
Download a copy of the guidelines below:
Shelter health is complex and demanding; a lot of effort is required to establish policies and procedures that meet the unique needs of your facility. Whether it is a large pound or a small rescue, there are some fundamental principles that should be followed by all:
- Vaccinate and maintain vaccination in accordance with the applicable World Small Animal
Veterinary Association Vaccination Guidelines - Separate sick cats from healthy cats; dogs from cats; dirty items from clean items
- Wash your hands thoroughly and often, and remember that drying them properly is a vital step in the process
- Desex cats and kittens before adoption; vouchers and promises don’t work
- Microchip and ensure adopters will register their new cat
- Minimise stress because happy cats are healthier cats
- Know your limits if you can’t afford to provide proper care, you’re putting cats everywhere at risk.
On 28 March 2019, we presented a seminar on infection control and risk management for formal and informal cat sheltering. You can view the presentations on infection control, vaccination and what a healthy cat looks like here.