News

Annual Permits for Non–Desexed Cats

From 1 July 2020 owners of cats not desexed by four months of age will be required to pay an $80 annual permit in addition to their one-off lifetime pet registration fee. Exemptions are in place for cats that are registered by 1 July 2020, those kept for breeding purposes by members of recognised breeding bodies, and cats which cannot be de-sexed for medical reasons.

This will create a stronger incentive to desex cats, which in turn will improve their health and wellbeing, including reducing the risk of some cancers. Improving desexing rates will also ease the burden on pounds and shelters, reduce euthanasia rates, and help to address concerns about feral, stray and roaming cats and their effect on wildlife.

Click on the link for more information: https://www.olg.nsw.gov.au/councils/responsible-pet-ownership/nsw-pet-registry/annual-permits/

COVID-19 AND CATS

It is important to note that transmission of COVID-19 from wild animals to human populations in China occurred because those animals were either consumed or kept in a wet market in close contact with other species which were then consumed.

There is still no evidence that cats can transmit the virus to humans and it is important that owners should not worry unnecessarily. 

If it were possible to catch it from a pet, it would have become a clear factor in the spread of the pandemic but not a single case has been identified.

The president of the Australian Veterinary Association, Dr Julia Crawford, is quoted in the April 11-12 edition of the Sydney Morning Herald as saying “To date, there is no evidence that pets can spread the disease….”.

The Australian government says no cases have been detected in domestic animals (pets and livestock) or wildlife in the country.