On Sunday the world celebrates International Cat Day with felines some of the most popular domestic pets.
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According to Glenfield Road Animal Shelter's Julie McPhail however, there are some key thing to keep in mind if you are thinking of adopting a cat, or already have one.
Ms McPhail said in her experience working in the shelter, the majority of cats do not have the basics we take for granted in dogs.
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"We need to change everybody's conceptions of cats that they're an easy animal to own," Ms McPhail said. "You still need to get them microchipped, you still need to get them desexed.
"We still have low numbers getting cats back to owners because most of the cats aren't microchipped that come to us."
The Glenfield Road Animal Shelter had 523 cats handed in in the last financial year, 100 more than the year before, and while adoptions and rescue numbers were high at 398, she said the lack of microchipping is still keeping many from making their way home.
When it comes to keeping other animals safe from your cat, she said supervision is best.
To avoid harming native birds she said you should use collars designed to warn them off, suggesting a 'jester' collar that looks like a clown ruff and gives birds virtual warning.
"You should also supervise your cat when you go outside, keep an eye on it, don't just let it out and let it go," she said.
As for how to choose a cat, she suggested trying to go for an older cats, many of whom are hard to rehome.
"Always adopt, don't shop and sometimes try and go for an older cat not a kitten," she said. "Get one that is on it's last chance at adoption. Everyone goes for the little kittens but an older cat can be a wonderful addition to your home."
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