Tweed cat owners are being encouraged to keep their cats safely at home as the Safe Haven for Cats project launches today. Local residents can apply for a voucher to build a cat haven or cat enrichment space from now until 31 August 2024.
Tweed Shire Council has partnered with RSPCA NSW on the Keeping Cats Safe at Home campaign. To encourage cat owners to keep their pets safely at home, 60 Tweed residents can win a $500 voucher to purchase a cat haven or cat DIY netting and hardware products.
The new campaign is all about loving cats, celebrating the people who love their cats and motivating cat lovers to keep their feline companions safe and fulfilled, while also protecting wildlife.
Cat-owning residents can submit an expression of interest for a ‘Catnets’ voucher to the value of $500 as part of Council’s Safe Haven for Cats project.
Council’s Wildlife Protection Project Officer, Frances Smith-Wright said the initiative is about working with cat owners to improve the health and welfare of their cats by transitioning them from roaming to being safe at home.
‘There are countless benefits to keeping your cat indoors, including living longer, healthier lives,’ said Mrs Smith-Wright.
‘Outdoor roaming cats face numerous risks, including exposure to diseases, vehicle accidents and the potential for theft or getting lost.
‘Creating a safe and enriching environment for cats not only protects them from potential hazards but also allows them to explore, play and thrive,’ she said.
‘Last year we were excited by the thoughtful and personalised cat havens created by our residents, and we hope to see cat owners who want to build their dream enclosure or transform their home to create a safe space apply this year.’
Multiple benefits
Keeping cats safe at home also contributes to the preservation of local wildlife and is part of Council’s commitment to protecting the Tweed’s internationally significant environment to pass on to future generations.
If you are a cat owner who needs support creating a cat haven, please submit an expression of interest to be awarded a $500 voucher from Catnets. Applications must be submitted before Saturday 31 August 2024.
The NSW-wide project is funded by a $2.5 million grant from the NSW Environmental Trust.
You can find out more about Keeping Cats Safe at Home here.
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