A close-up of a cat looking up at the camera with its white whiskers and green-yellow eyes in sharp focus.

Roam to home

Published on 04 October 2024

Calling all cat lovers – you’re invited to enjoy a night in with your feline friend this Friday for World Animal Day!

October 4 each year is an international day to raise the status of animals and make the world a better place for them – and what better way to celebrate than to bring your roaming cat inside to be safe, comfortable and happy.

There are a number of great reasons to keep your cat at home, including the fact you’ll be helping conserve wildlife, keeping your cat safe, and reducing vet bills from injuries.

Lots of cats can, and do, live happy, healthy lives entirely indoors because their humans have set them up for success.

But if you don’t know where to start, the new Roam to home website has plenty of resources to help you transition a roaming cat to living permanently indoors.

Head to the site to download your free, simple step-by-step guide to create a cat-friendly environment, and you can help transition your roaming cat to an indoor life in as little as four weeks.

The program will help you gradually reduce your cat’s roaming time and manage changes in behaviour with expert tips, including supporting your cat’s natural instincts, enriching their spaces, making your home cat-safe, providing enough attention and affection, establishing routines and more.

You’ll also find a handy checklist and detailed planner for you to fill in and help guide the transition.

With support and consistency, an outdoor cat can learn to love a life at home. Visit the Roam to home website to learn more.

Roam to home is an initiative of South Australia’s Dog and Cat Management Board.

The City of Onkaparinga is currently undertaking a survey on cat management and wants to learn how many cat owners are currently containing their cats, and the extent to which respondents are experiencing issues with uncontained cats.

You can provide your feedback at the council’s Your Say page until Sunday 13 October.

The Your Say page also includes information on the council’s current approach to cat management – which involves advocating to the state government for a statewide approach – and the complex challenges councils face in addressing roaming cats.