A Code of Practice for Canadian Cattery Operations - Canadian Veterinary Medical Association
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A Code of Practice for Canadian
Cattery Operations
2009
Canadian Veterinary Medical Association
First Edition: 2009Acknowledgements
The Canadian Veterinary Medical The CVMA is also grateful to the Canadian
Association (CVMA) expresses sincere Federation of Humane Societies, through
appreciation to Dr. Janet Lalonde, Ms. Ms. Shelagh MacDonald, for extensive
Wiebke Heron, Ms. Nadine Gourkow, Dr. participation in the preparation of the Code.
Nicolette Joosting, Dr. Marcus Litman,
Dr. Anna Bolinder, Dr. Carol Morgan, The CVMA also thanks the Canadian Cat
Dr. Alice Crook, and Dr. Diane Frank for Association, the Canadian Council on
their dedication and hard work in preparing Animal Care, the Pet Industry Joint
this Code of Practice. Advisory Council of Canada, Dr. Susan
Little, and Dr. Hugh Whitney for
providing review.Contents
Preface..................................................................................................................................2
Definitions............................................................................................................................3
Acronyms.............................................................................................................................5
Sections:
SECTION I: The Selection of a Cat.............................................................................6
SECTION II: Housing and Accommodation................................................................8
SECTION III: Care and Supervision............................................................................14
SECTION IV: Behavioural Needs…...........................................................................18
SECTION V: Transportation.......................................................................................21
SECTION VI: Education..............................................................................................23
SECTION VII: Emergencies and Unforeseen Problems ..............................................24
SECTION VIII: Euthanasia............................................................................................25
Appendices:
APPENDIX A: Cat Welfare...........................................................................................26
APPENDIX B: Feline Vaccines — Specific Recommendations. .................................30
APPENDIX C: Canadian Veterinary Medical Association Position Statement on
Onychectomy (Declawing) of the Domestic Feline..............................32
APPENDIX D: Recommended Minimum Space Requirements for Cats......................34
APPENDIX E: Organizations that Provided Information on Care and Humane
Treatment of Cats .................................................................................35
1
A Code of Practice for Canadian Cattery Operations
Canadian Veterinary Medical AssociationPreface
Like the Codes of Practice developed by the management, and use of all animals,
National Farm Animal Care Council, the including cats. All institutions, in which cats
Canadian Federation of Humane Societies are used in research studies funded by
(CFHS), the CVMA, and those associated granting councils, as well as federal and
with the livestock industry, this Code of provincial government laboratories, must
Practice for the care, management, and hold a CCAC Certificate of Good Animal
breeding of cats is a voluntary one. It can be Practice® indicating compliance with CCAC
used as an educational tool by cat breeders, guidelines and policies, as assessed by the
members of the general public acquiring cats, CCAC Assessment Program.
and animal welfare groups, and also as a
standard by all those interested in the The recommendations that are contained in
promotion of sound care, management, and this Code of Practice for Canadian Cattery
welfare practices. Operations will not be comprehensive for all
circumstances. For example, cage and pen
Although there is no system to license size will depend on the breed and the
catteries in Canada, some provinces or practices that can be applied to ensure the
territories have laws or regulations covering welfare of the cats being raised or used. As
certain aspects of the care of dogs and cats in well, an important aspect of ensuring the
breeding and boarding establishments. well-being of each animal is by paying
Consult the relevant provincial/territorial attention to its uniqueness. Undoubtedly, as
animal care or SPCA act. additional research information becomes
available and management practices and
The Canadian Council on Animal Care requirements change, these guidelines, too,
(CCAC) is the national organization will undergo change. Thus, this Code of
responsible for setting and maintaining Practice is a “living document,” subject to
standards for the care and use of animals in amendment as new information becomes
research, teaching, and testing throughout available. For this voluntary Code to be fully
Canada. The CCAC guidelines provide effective, those involved in the care and
standards for animal facilities and ethical handling of cats and kittens should accept and
requirements associated with the care, adopt the Code’s recommendations.
2
A Code of Practice for Canadian Cattery Operations
Canadian Veterinary Medical AssociationDefinitions
HUMANE CARE feeding, watering, and removal of excrement;
they must be knowledgeable concerning the
The term “humane care” will be used animals themselves.
commonly in this Code of Practice, for it
forms the basis for all animal care, OTHER GENERAL
management practices, and procedures.
“Humane care” is an all-inclusive term and Breed: Cats with similar physical
does not simply mean the avoidance of characteristics and related ancestry.
deliberate pain. Instead, the goal is that all
avoidable pain, distress, discomfort, and Breeder: Generically refers to a person who
factors causing anxiety and suffering are breeds cats. More specifically, the breeder of
eliminated from the conditions under which a litter is considered to be the owner of the
cats are housed, bred, and raised. This dam (queen) at the time of breeding. (Note:
includes selecting the proper site for a cattery cats may be owned outright or leased for
to ensure optimal conditions are provided for breeding purposes).
the cats, particularly breeding cats or cats
maintained in kennels. The means of Cattery: A facility where cats are kept,
confinement must also satisfy the cat’s social including breeding or boarding facilities,
and exercise needs. Humane care also implies animal shelters, and pet stores.
the maintenance of optimal sanitary and
environmental conditions with regard to air Castrate: To surgically remove the testicles
pollution, noise, temperature, humidity, etc. from a male cat (also “neuter”).
High quality, nutritional, contaminant-free Conformation: The form, structure, and
food, adequate potable water, and appropriate physical arrangement of body parts in
accommodation, including shelter from the accordance with the breed’s standards.
elements and unnecessary variations in
temperature, must be provided. Cats should Dam: The mother of a cat.
be raised at temperatures as close as possible
to the comfort zone of the animal, appropriate Estrus: The sexually receptive period of a
to its age and condition. It is also necessary to female cat during which she can become
provide adequate, regular supervision and pregnant; commonly referred to as being “in
efficient knowledgeable health care controls heat” or “in season.”
to ensure that animals are not harmed by
incompatible cats, sick cats, or other Euthanasia: The term is derived from the
adversarial animals or vermin. Sufficient Greek “eu” for “good” and “thanatos” for
numbers of experienced personnel should be “death” or an easy death. The euphemisms
employed as required. Such individuals must for euthanize include “destroy,” “put down,”
have compassion and respect for all living or most commonly “put to sleep.”
beings, particularly for those cats or kittens
for which they are responsible. It is not Gestation: The period of pregnancy in a cat
sufficient that they have only knowledge of (approximately 66 days with some variation).
3
A Code of Practice for Canadian Cattery Operations
Canadian Veterinary Medical AssociationKitten: A cat under the age of 8 months. Lethargy: Behaviour displayed as excessive
quietness, absence of play in kittens,
Litter: Kittens born at the same time from extended sleep periods, or lack of interest in
the same queen. feeding. It can be a sign of illness.
Neuter: Spay or castrate a female or male Socialization: The process by which a kitten
cat. learns to accept certain animal species
including its own, as well as humans, in close
Parturition: The act of labour or giving proximity. It occurs most easily during a
birth. limited time span generally from 2 to 9 weeks
of age, but should continue for several
Queen: A female breeding cat. months.
Spay: To surgically remove the ovaries and Submission/dominance: Submission
often the uterus of a female cat. (deference) is signaled by cats in various
ways, such as avoiding eye contact with a
Stud: A breeding male, also known as a tom. more dominant cat, or waiting for another cat
to pass before moving into an area. More
dominant cats may block the movement of
BEHAVIOURAL TERMS subordinate cats, chase them, or stare at them.
Relative rank can vary from one pair of cats
Defensive aggression: Threatening to another, and can depend on the context.
behaviour displayed by a cat experiencing (Note: not all feline behaviourists agree about
fear by flattening its body, and giving the significance of submissive or dominant
warning signals such as hissing, growling, postures in cats.)
and spitting. A defensive aggressive cat will
bite and show teeth and claws if the threat Temperament: The behavioural
continues to approach and the cat has no characteristics of a cat that are relatively
escape route. stable over time and across similar situations.
Hyperactivity: A behaviour pattern
frequently characterized in cats by pacing,
vocalizing, and restlessness.
4
A Code of Practice for Canadian Cattery Operations
Canadian Veterinary Medical AssociationAcronyms
ACFA: American Cat Fanciers Association NCAC: National Companion Animal
Coalition (CVMA, Canadian
CCAC: Canadian Council on Animal Care Kennel Club, CFHS, PIJAC)
CFHS: Canadian Federation of Humane PIJAC: Pet Industry Joint Advisory
Societies Council
CCA: Canadian Cat Association SPCA: Society for the Prevention of
Cruelty to Animals
CFA: The Cat Fanciers Association
TICA: The International Cat Association
CVMA: Canadian Veterinary Medical
Association
5
A Code of Practice for Canadian Cattery Operations
Canadian Veterinary Medical AssociationSECTION I
The Selection of a Cat
Cats can be obtained from various sources, not generally obtained to serve a function
including breeders, pet stores, humane other than companionship.
societies or SPCAs, and rescue groups. Breeders range from small home breeders
When selecting a particular cat from any of who keep their cats in their home to breeders
these sources it is important to match the with larger populations who have a cattery
characteristics of the cat with the owner. facility to house the cats. Good breeders
adhere to generally recognized breeding
Prospective cat owners are referred to “A practices and may be identified by the quality
Commonsense Guide to Selecting a Dog or a of their animals, well-maintained facilities,
Cat,” published by the CVMA and available and a willingness to display the parents of the
on the CVMA Animal Health Care Web litter. Good breeders will have well-groomed,
site. 1 clean, healthy, and socially well-adjusted cats
and kittens, and will provide evidence of
CATS vaccinations, and relevant health clearance(s)
showing that breeding animals are free of
Cats are considered pedigreed and not certain genetic disorders or health issues.
purebred. Pedigreed cats are of known and Good breeders will keep the kittens to age 10
recorded ancestry. Cat breeds are separated to 12 weeks and will not supply kittens to pet
into breed classifications. stores.
The term “breed” is used to describe natural Good breeders will provide a written
breeds, established breeds, mutations, and guarantee of the health of the kitten, will have
hybrids. a written contract or agreement with the new
owner to take the kitten or cat back for
BREEDERS practically any reason, and will provide
financial or other reasonable compensation in
“Breeder” refers to the individual who is the event of certain genetic disorders or
involved in the breeding of cats. In reference health issues as identified in a contract.
to a specific litter, the breeder is the owner or
co-owner of the queen at the time she was Poor breeders reflect the opposite, with run-
bred. Breeders are direct and primary sources down and/or crowded facilities; a reluctance
for kittens. to show the parents of a litter and other
progeny; dirty, unhealthy, and ill-adjusted
Individuals are involved in cat breeding for cats; kittens sold at a young age and often
any number of reasons, among them the without proper vaccinations. Poor breeders
improvement of the breed and the progeny also have little regard for the frequency of
resulting from their breeding stock. Cats are breeding or the age of breeding stock.
mainly bred to be companion animals and are
REGISTRIES
1
Good breeders of pedigreed cats will register
www.animalhealthcare.ca
their breeding cats and show cats, as well as
6
A Code of Practice for Canadian Cattery Operations
Canadian Veterinary Medical Associationall litters, with one of the major registries breeding purposes should be strongly
listed below, and follow the breed standards encouraged to have their kitten or cat spayed
when selecting breeding cats. or castrated at an appropriate age. Some
breeders may even have all cats neutered
The Canadian Cat Association (CCA) before sale. From a health perspective this is
The American Cat Fanciers Association very beneficial to the cat. An unaltered
(ACFA) female cat will vocalize frequently and may
The Cat Fanciers Association (CFA) develop reproductive health problems. The
The Cat Fanciers Federation (CFF) unaltered male (tom) cat will spray to mark
The International Cat Association (TICA) territory, generally making him unsuitable as
a house pet. There are also significant health
IMPULSE BUYING benefits associated with neutering cats.
Good breeders will not sell to people looking
to buy on impulse. Instead, they will spend CONFORMATION STANDARDS FOR
time with the consumer to make sure that the PEDIGREED CATS
chosen breed is compatible with the The physical standard refers to the general
expectations of the consumer and that the shape and appearance of the cat. Most
new owner is prepared to adequately house commonly associated with the pedigreed cat
and maintain the cat. Good breeders will fancy, the breed standard is a description of
educate consumers about allergies to cats and the “ideal” appearance of any particular
the possible drawbacks of cat ownership, breed. Cat shows provide a forum in which
especially for children with allergies to cats. the cat is judged against its written standard
to determine the degree to which the standard
ALLERGIES has been met. Breed standards differ around
the world and the different registries will
Good breeders will recommend that recognize different breeds; some will not
households with allergies consult a physician register certain breeds. The fundamental
before acquiring a cat and make preparation philosophy may differ as well.
for the cat in advance should the allergy not
permit keeping the cat. Good breeders will The CFA is the world’s largest registry of
not sell cats to households with young pedigreed cats and registers cats worldwide
children that have known cat allergies or including in Canada. It is a conservative
asthma. registry. Adding new breeds is very difficult
and requires much time and commitment.
POPULATION CONTROL The CCA, founded in 1960, is the Canadian
cat registry.
Regardless of the source of the cat, a cat
owner who is not interested in the cat for
7
A Code of Practice for Canadian Cattery Operations
Canadian Veterinary Medical AssociationSECTION II
Housing and Accommodation
SITE Exterior walls should be fire retardant and
impervious to moisture. Doors, window sills,
The site needs to be suitable to the needs of and window sashes may be constructed of
the cattery operation, and the cattery wood, provided they are rendered impervious
operation suited to the needs of the breed of to moisture and are rodent and vermin
cat to be housed. For small breeders, the cats resistant. (Caution: some wood preservative
may simply live in the house, with no specific products are fatal to cats and/or cause illness.)
confinement, other than providing a separate
room or area for queens with kittens, and for Combustible materials such as wood litter
studs. Regardless, the site must provide easy should be stored in a fire resistant container
cattery maintenance, whether the cattery is outside of the building. Clay and silicon litter
one room or floor of the family home, or a should be stored in a well-ventilated area,
completely separate building. The cattery preferably in a separate outside facility.
must be well-maintained and clean, providing
a healthy environment for housed cats. Fire extinguishers should be available,
accessible, and consistent with fire and
A separate cattery facility will require insurance codes.
sufficient land to accommodate the cattery
structures. Zoning and proximity to ENVIRONMENT AND TEMPERATURE
neighbours need to be considered as cats can
be very noisy and stud cats can be odorous. Cat holding room temperatures are usually
maintained at between 18°C and 22°C. The
An investigation of zoning restrictions, by- minimum sustained temperature for an indoor
laws, building codes, and standards will cattery facility is 15°C. The maximum
provide valuable insight into the local sustained temperature for an indoor cattery
requirements for the cattery operation. should be 27°C, ideally lower for full-coated
Researching and visiting existing, reputable brachycephalic breeds.
cattery operations can provide insight into the
site selection, including consideration of Cats should be housed in temperatures as
drainage, waste removal, and access to heat close as possible to the comfort level of the
and electricity. breed. For instance, a Persian, Maine coon, or
long-haired domestic will have a much
CONSTRUCTION different comfort zone than a Cornish rex.
Most cats require supplemental heat during
Interior walls and partitions may be adverse conditions. Considerations need to be
constructed of masonry, metal, Mazonite, given to age and overall condition of the
cement, plaster, or other washable, individual cat. Older, very young, and infirm
nonabsorbable, and easily sanitized building cats will require a warmer and more
material. The walls should be smooth, comfortable environment. Temperatures
durable, and impervious for proper cleaning should be monitored and adjusted if needed.
and disinfection.
8
A Code of Practice for Canadian Cattery Operations
Canadian Veterinary Medical AssociationInterior conditions should be constantly FLOORS
maintained, and fluctuations in temperature,
light, and noise levels should be avoided. A Floors should be constructed of dense mixed
thermometer and hygrometer should be concrete or another material that when
placed at animal level. finished provides a smooth surface which is
impervious to moisture and odour. This will
Insulating material may be toxic or irritating facilitate cleaning and sanitizing.
to cats and should be inaccessible to even an
inquisitive cat. Windows will provide the cats When an impervious material like linoleum is
with access to natural glass-filtered sunlight placed on the floor, it should extend at least
and the chance to observe the outside 20 cm up the walls. This material should be
environment. Birdhouses or feeders outside molded so that there are no crevices or cracks
the windows offer a source of environmental in the corners.
enrichment. (See enrichment devices p. 19).
VENTILATION AND LIGHT
HUMIDITY
Proper air circulation is essential in
Humidity should be measured and maintained preventing respiratory disease. Ventilation
at 44% to 45%. The introduction of outside should be adequate to keep cat areas free
air or a dehumidifier and fan may help to from dampness, noxious odours, and drafts.
maintain constant humidity. A source of fresh air is critical in a cattery
facility, as re-circulation of inside air
ROOF distributes contaminants, odours, bacteria,
viruses, fungi, and molds unless an adequate
Roof coverings, fastened to sheeting or filter system is included.
directly to the roof joists, should be
constructed so as to protect the cats from When ambient temperature reaches 27°C
adverse weather and to prevent the entrance (80°F), additional ventilation such as air
of rodents and vermin into the cattery. conditioning or exhaust fans should be added.
Drafts and chills should be prevented. High
CEILING humidity promotes illness and disease, and
should be avoided.
Ceilings should be constructed of materials
similar or equal to those of the walls and All cat holding rooms should be lit during
partitions. Ceilings, walls, and partitions daylight hours and artificially illuminated for
should closely abut to prevent crevices that access during darkness. The minimum light
can lead to rodent infestation. requirement is 8 hours per day. Sunlight is
the preferred means of lighting, provided that
Corners of ceilings, walls, and partitions shaded areas are available. Lighting should
should be caulked and painted so that they be as close as possible to natural conditions
may be completely sanitized and are resistant of duration and intensity. The cattery should
to cat urine from spraying toms. have natural darkness for a sleeping period of
at least 8 hours.
Ceilings should be solid to prevent cats from
escaping.
9
A Code of Practice for Canadian Cattery Operations
Canadian Veterinary Medical AssociationCAGES, PENS, AND ENCLOSURES shall not exceed the number that would
prevent proper ventilation and sanitation. To
The primary enclosure should be structurally keep the stress level low, aggressive or overly
sound and maintained in good repair to exuberant cats should not be housed in the
protect the cats from injury, contain them, same enclosure as timid or lower ranking
keep other animals out, and to enable the cats. Note that relative rank can vary from
housed cats to remain dry and clean. one pair to another, and depending on the
context. (See below.)
The primary enclosure should provide
sufficient space to allow each enclosed cat to TYPES OF HOUSING
turn freely and to easily stand, sit, and lie in a
comfortable position. The minimum primary Single Enriched Living
enclosure space for a single 2 kg or greater
cat should be a minimum of 1.5 m2 in area Single housing is appropriate only for short
and a minimum of 0.75 m in height stays, unless the cat is not suited to
(Appendix D). Quality of space is more communal living (see Communal Living).
important to cats than increasing space. Use Some cats may prefer single housing.
vertical space for enrichment. Resting
perches and a hiding area should be provided, Because of lack of space and environmental
as well as easy access to food, water, litter, complexity, cats in single housing have less
and bedding. Cats housed in groups must be choice for behavioural expression. These
watched for submissiveness, fighting, and cats may become frustrated or depressed. To
rejection of members because of the cat’s meet the psychological needs of cats, housing
natural instinct for territorial and personal must be enriched (see Section IV,
defense. Extra resting boards placed at Behavioural Needs.) Cats housed for longer
different levels within an enclosure allow cats terms may benefit from being moved around
to establish a “mini-territory” within the or by having their cage rearranged
group housed together and minimizes the occasionally. (Be sure to monitor cats for
chance of aggression. There should be as stress, see Appendix A).
many hiding areas and perches as there are
cats. There should be corner shelves where The single cage should provide:
shy cats can perch without the risk of being
approached from behind. The need should be • Separation between functional areas,
minimized for cats to cross paths with other such as food and water bowls secured
cats to access food and water and litter pans. on cage door, and an elevated bed.
The primary enclosure shall be constructed • Some control over the amount of
and maintained so that cats have convenient exposure to cattery activities.
access to clean food, water, and litter. Cats
may refuse to eat if litter trays and food • Opportunities to engage in a wide
dishes are in close proximity. Litter pans, at range of behaviours such as hiding,
least one pan per cat, shall be located away perching, playing with toys to
from bedding and food and water. simulate hunting behaviour (batting,
A primary enclosure shall not be constructed pouncing, throwing up in the air),
or maintained with an exposed wire mesh. scratching, and playing with people.
The number of cats in a primary enclosure
10
A Code of Practice for Canadian Cattery Operations
Canadian Veterinary Medical Association• Substrates to facilitate scent marking. • At least one single size hiding area
Cats feel at ease when their space is per cat.
familiar – containing their own scent.
• Several vantage points at different
Communal Living heights and with different views of the
area.
In view of the fact that cats hunt alone, they
were long believed to be asocial. However, • Corner shelf viewing points from
there is much evidence to the contrary. Cats which the cat cannot be approached
living in colonies form strong bonds, from behind.
particularly females who sometimes share the
care of kittens. Cats engage in affiliative • Separation between feeding and
behaviour with other cats such as body elimination areas.
rubbing on each other (allorubbing),
grooming each other (allogrooming), nose • Food and elimination areas should be
touching (greeting behaviour), and play. located in places where shy cats
Cats show a repertoire of submissive and cannot be intimidated by more
dominant behaviours to reduce conflict. confident cats.
In a natural setting, familiar cats tend to • Enough free floor space for cat-cat
resolve conflict by increasing space between play and interaction.
them. When creating communal spaces for
adult cats that may not care much for each • At least one perching area that can fit
other, it is important to organize space in a several cats.
way that minimizes the possibility of ongoing
or repeated conflict as this can cause high Introduction of new cats to a communal
stress. It is essential to recognize that when area
cats have not been exposed to other cats for
their entire life, they may have little or no
• A new cat arriving into a communal
tolerance for other cats and may not be well area changes the dynamic between all
suited for communal living. Cats that engage cats and is a known source of stress.
in aggressive behaviour or show signs of
stress after 24 hours should be housed singly.
• Introduction of new cats should take
several days.
The use of communal enclosures can be
counterproductive if not appropriately
• Place the incoming cat in a single
designed. Communal living must encourage
cage within the communal.
social contact between cats while meeting
their need for personal space and safety.
• The cage should have a Plexiglas door
To meet the psychological needs of cats, the with several small holes to enable
communal area should provide: visual and olfactory contact between
cats.
• More single size shelves than cats and
at least one meter between shelves. • Provide a hiding area for the cat in the
introduction cage.
11
A Code of Practice for Canadian Cattery Operations
Canadian Veterinary Medical Association• Once the incoming and resident cats SCRATCHING POSTS
seem relaxed, let the new cat explore.
Scratching posts allow for scratching
• Monitor initial contact between cats. behaviour and should be standard equipment
in cat facilities. The primary enclosure or the
WIRE FLOORS exercise area should contain a scratching post
so that cats can engage in the natural habit of
Cats must not be kept on wire floors or any scratching in an appropriate way. The post
other material that will injure their feet or should be high enough for the cat to fully
legs. extend its body when scratching. Some cats
like to scratch horizontal surfaces. Suitable
QUEENING FACILITIES material is a solid wooden post positioned
securely and covered with sisal. For kittens
The queening area should be separate from that will be adopted to households, it is
other cats to permit privacy. A quiet, secure important to use a cat scratching post without
area should be provided that is of sufficient carpet. Cats develop a preference for certain
size to allow the queen ample opportunity to material and may begin to scratch that same
move around. Queens with kittens require material in the home.
additional space beyond the minimum
requirement of 0.85 m3. The queening area Group housing should be equipped with
should be quarantined or be the area entered several scratching posts, preferably placed
first before the “dirtier” areas to minimize both vertically and horizontally to provide for
exposure of newborns. varying preferences by the cats. Scratching
posts also allow for cat-cat olfactory
Human supervision and immediate assistance communication.
is important during the queening period and
the days following the birth of the kittens. LITTER BOXES
The queening area should be located in an
area that will facilitate ongoing 24-hour Litter boxes should be of appropriate size for
supervision by the breeder. an adult cat (at least 1 ½ times longer than the
cat). Trays should be of sufficient size and
The queening area might consist of a private height to allow the cat to scratch, dig, turn,
pen containing an enclosed, easily accessed, and squat comfortably. Adequate litter
covered queening box. This box should be material should be provided to allow the cats
lined with soft, easy-to-change bedding for to engage in the complete sequence of
the queen and the kittens. Bedding should be elimination. Not all cats cover their feces.
changed daily or more often if required. Commercial cat litter, sawdust, shavings,
sand, or shredded paper will allow cats to
Supplemental heat, generally in the form of a satisfy their desire to dig.
heat lamp, should provide an ambient
temperature between 29°C and 32°C. Care Adequate litter pans should be provided to
should be taken so that the area is not avoid contamination of the surrounding
overheated and that the kittens and queen can environment (high-sided rather than
move out of the direct heat and return to it as completely enclosed pans are suggested) and
desired. without having to compete for facilities. A
12
A Code of Practice for Canadian Cattery Operations
Canadian Veterinary Medical Associationlitter of kittens and the queen can share one normal daily requirements for the condition
large pan if it is cleaned more than once and size of the cat. Food must be provided in
daily; the recommendation in any colony is sufficient amounts to ensure normal growth
one litter pan per cat, plus one. The litter pans in kittens and maintenance of normal body
should be of a material that is easily washed weight in adults.
and disinfected daily, and of adequate size.
Cats must have continuous access to clean,
FOOD AND WATER palatable water. Food and water receptacles
must be accessible to each individual and/or
Weaned kittens and adult cats should be fed group of cats and should be located to prevent
at least twice a day, unless otherwise contamination by excreta. Feeding dishes are
specified by a veterinarian. Food should be to be kept clean. Self-feeders may be used for
free from contamination and should be the feeding of dry food and should be
wholesome, palatable, and of sufficient sanitized regularly to prevent mold,
quantity and nutritive value to meet the deterioration, or caking of food.
13
A Code of Practice for Canadian Cattery Operations
Canadian Veterinary Medical AssociationSECTION III
Care and Supervision
ATTENDANTS AND SUPERVISORY Records for all litters should include a daily
STAFF record of each kitten’s progress, such as
weight gain of neonates, weakness,
Efficient regular supervision and an supplemental feeding, etc., as well as
effective health care program should be numbers and sexes. Ideally, each kitten has
provided on an ongoing basis. Staff should its own record at the time of birth. Kittens
be experienced in the needs of cats and should be weighed at birth and then daily for
kittens. Such individuals must have at least the next 4 weeks. Desirable and
compassion and respect for the cats and nondesirable traits should be noted. The
kittens for which they are responsible. records should specify individual birth
weights, condition, and vigour.
The attendants should understand the
breed’s characteristics, normal cat Individual records should include breed, sex,
behaviour, and social interaction within a date of birth, the name and description of the
normal cat colony and should be provided queen and tom, tattoo or microchip number,
with a copy of this Code of Practice. and FeLV/FIV status of the queen, tom and
kitten, colour, and markings.
IDENTIFICATION AND RECORDS
Both individual and litter records should
Identification of each cat as well as the include information concerning the nature of
maintenance of individual records is the food provided, any medications,
essential to good management practices. vaccinations, and examinations for internal
and external parasites and the results
Ideally, cats should be permanently thereof.
identified by means of a tattoo on the
abdomen or microchip implant. CLEANING, SANITATION, AND
DISINFECTION
Record-keeping is essential. Individual
records should be developed by the time The success of a good management program
each litter is weaned. New owners should be depends on the nature of the building,
provided with copies of the cat’s individual building materials, and the various types of
records. The cattery should maintain and equipment available for proper cleaning,
keep records for a minimum period (i.e., 5 sanitation, and disinfection.
years) and in such a way as to facilitate the
diagnosis and surveillance of heritable or Cleaning and sanitizing should be carried
infectious diseases, such as polycystic out daily. Individual circumstances may
kidney disease, sudden death, or other require more frequent cleaning.
problems that may be genetic or
transmissible.
14
A Code of Practice for Canadian Cattery Operations
Canadian Veterinary Medical AssociationDaily cleaning and disinfection with Caretakers should be knowledgeable about
appropriate products, such as bleach or the zoonotic disease toxoplasmosis and take
quaternary ammonium, are necessary to appropriate precautions when handling litter
eliminate odours and bacterial or viral and feces.
contamination, as well as to control
parasites. Cleaning and disinfection are External parasites require immediate
integral to a good preventative health appropriate treatment of all affected cats and
program. kittens, as well as thorough cleaning and
sanitization, and/or appropriate preventative
Isolation facilities must be provided for treatment to prevent spread of the parasite to
individual queens with litters that are other cats and kittens in the colony.
experiencing upper respiratory tract or other
illness. Ensure the isolation area meets the Visiting toms and queens should be
welfare, socialization, and development thoroughly checked or treated
needs of the kittens and queen. Caretakers prophylactically for external and internal
should be cognizant of the infectious and parasites and quarantined before
often asymptomatic nature of feline introduction to the colony. Vaccinations
respiratory disease and have facilities to should be up to date.
adequately disinfect their hands, clothing,
and the isolation areas. The same principles Outside runs, particularly those involving
apply to ANY infectious disease of cats. crushed stone or dirt floors are difficult to
clean; this can lead to poor control of
Regardless of health status, caretakers parasites. Good drainage, daily cleaning, and
should at least wash hands with soap and preventing contact with nonfacility animals
water (or an alcohol disinfectant product if will facilitate parasite management.
hands are not soiled) between handling
litters or individual adult cats. HEALTH PROGRAM
PARASITE CONTROL All cats should be under the supervision of a
consulting veterinarian(s) responsible for the
Certain internal parasites of cats are prevention and control of disease, the
remarkably resistant to normal cleaning and provision of adequate veterinary care, and, if
disinfection and can remain viable in the the need for euthanasia arises, provision of a
environment for long periods of time. Even humane death. Catteries are encouraged to
indoor-only cats may cycle low levels of the develop a comprehensive preventative
parasites from litter pan to mouth for years, health program with the consulting
undetectable by fecal examination. It is veterinarian that is supported by cattery
recommended that all cats be maintained on visits, annual health checks of the queens
a parasite control program, and that kittens and toms, appropriate vaccination (see
be routinely dewormed from 3 weeks of Appendix B), appropriate feline
age. (Please see the Companion Animal immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline
Parasite Council recommendations 2 ). leukemia virus (FeLV) testing of queens and
toms (Please see the American Association
of Feline Practitioners' Retrovirus
2
Companion Animal Parasite Council
http://www.capcvet.org/?p=Guidelines_Ascarid&h=0
&s=0
15
A Code of Practice for Canadian Cattery Operations
Canadian Veterinary Medical AssociationManagement guidelines 3 for more healthy. Male cats should be provided with
information), prevention and management of their own special breeding cages so that they
dermatophyte infections (for example, are not stressed by trying to establish new
ringworm), appropriate diagnostic testing, territory at every breeding. After queens
accurate record keeping, and follow-up have been placed with the male and bred
regimes. several times, they should not be allowed to
wander because additional breeding can
The keys to preventing disease in a cat occur by undesirable males for up to two
colony are to avoid overcrowding, to days later. This will prevent the possibility
provide sanitary living conditions with good of unwanted cross-bred kittens in the litters.
nutrition of all cats, and to recognize and Cats are highly fertile and can conceive even
treat problems early and appropriately. while they are suckling so they should be
isolated from intact males at all time unless
Also crucial is early recognition of breeding is desired. Although long-haired
abnormalities in behaviour, appetite, breeds may not be receptive to males in
elimination, and coat/body condition by autumn and winter, to prevent unwanted
those individuals who see the cats and pregnancies, queens must be regarded as
kittens on a day-to-day basis. being potentially fertile throughout the year.
Breeders are encouraged to participate in Queens should not be allowed to breed
and promote programs that diagnose, unless clients have expressed real interest in
research, and prevent: purchasing their kittens. Indiscriminate
breeding is to be discouraged and queens
• inheritable diseases, such as polycystic should be ovariectomized as soon as there is
kidney disease screening program, and no longer demand for their kittens.
• infectious disease, such as FIV, FeLV,
FIP. Kittens must be provided with proper
housing, nutrition, health care, exercise, and
BREEDING socialization. They should be gradually
nutritionally weaned from their mother and
The breeding of cats is a serious introduced to food starting around 4–5
responsibility that requires a commitment of weeks, and completely weaned by 6–7
both time and financial resources. Breeders weeks. It is very important that the kittens
should ensure all breeding cats are of sound be exposed to a range of people and stimuli
health and temperament and have been so that they will adjust to novel situations,
tested for inherited disorders where environments, and people when they go to
appropriate. Breeders should also ensure their new homes. The minimum age for
there is a market for the offspring prior to kittens to be placed in their new homes is 8
breeding. weeks; however, 10–12 weeks is preferred
as kittens are generally more robust and will
Queens should not be bred before they are at be more socially developed by that time.
least 80% of their usual bodyweight at
maturity. Breeding may continue for as long
as the queen is physically and mentally
3
American Association of Feline Practitioners
http://www.catvets.com/professionals/guidelines/publ
ications/?Id=323
16
A Code of Practice for Canadian Cattery Operations
Canadian Veterinary Medical AssociationBREEDING AND WELFARE that are prevalent in that breed. Breeders
should provide written guarantees against
Breeding for extreme types may be such disorders in the kittens they sell.
associated with negative effects on the
welfare of both the queen and her offspring. In The Welfare of Cats 4 , Steiger lists various
Breeders should be aware, through reading cat breeds and their associated welfare
and consultation with their veterinarian, of problems, and discusses principles of
any problems prevalent in their breed. responsible breeding and measures to
Breeders must also take steps to eliminate improve welfare. Breeders and judges are
genetic defects by establishing suitable urged to reconsider breed standards in light
breeding programs, including (when of welfare-associated problems in extreme
possible) testing and certifying that all cat breeds.
breeding stock is clear of genetic disorders
4
Steiger A. Breeding and welfare. In: The Welfare of
Cats. Rochlitz I, ed. The Netherlands: Springer,
2005:259-276.
17
A Code of Practice for Canadian Cattery Operations
Canadian Veterinary Medical AssociationSECTION IV
Behavioural Needs
GENERAL Individual variations in personalities and
compatibility must be understood before
The physical and mental well-being of arranging the groups or introducing new cats
domestic cats in confined facilities is greatly to an already established group. Overly large
improved in an environment where the cats groups may result in excessive fighting,
can express a wide range of normal feline causing problems for subordinate (or more
behaviours. The complexity of a cat’s needs timid) individuals. Relative rank can vary
should be kept in mind when designing and from one pair of cats to another and can vary
developing catteries or other animal depending on context.
quarters. The cats must be allowed to engage
in as many species-typical activities as Play is an important factor in feline well-
possible. (See Appendix A for more being. Cats and kittens should have the
information) opportunity to engage in simulated hunting
behaviour through play, including
Sufficient space, proper and comfortable behaviours that simulate the hunting
housing complete with stimulating physical sequence. They should also have
facilities and activities, cat-to-cat opportunities for inanimate play with rolling
socialization, and human contact are all and batting toys. Play may be facilitated
important elements of good housing. through enrichment devices, cat-to-cat
Housing is a major factor contributing to the contact, or human-cat interaction.
cat’s well-being. Cats housed singly need
more stimulation than those in communal ENRICHMENT DEVICES
pens – they will need more social contact
(i.e., play sessions). Wherever possible, a Access to toys enriches the environment for
cage-free environment is preferred for cats and stimulates play activity.
housing cats in groups and is considered
more conducive to a variable, stimulating, • Play behaviour and climbing needs may
and less stressful environment. Once be supplied by children’s kindergarten
established, most socialized cats respond play equipment or other climbing
well to communal living. Group housing can structures.
contain up to 15–20 cats, although smaller
groups may be most desirable. Smaller • Furniture and toys should not restrict the
groups formed by, for example, removing free floor space necessary for
walls on solitary cages to create pair or quad socialization with other cats.
housing. (See also pages 11–13.)
18
A Code of Practice for Canadian Cattery Operations
Canadian Veterinary Medical Association• Cats’ patterns of play reflect predatory SOCIALIZATION
behaviour specialized for prey such as
rodents or birds. A prey-sized moving Socialization with people and other cats is a
object will draw a cat’s attention. critical part of every cattery operation. Cats
Appropriate toys create movement and that are unsocialized with people and other
noise that intrigue the cat. cats become poor pets and are unsuitable for
breeding stock.
• Toys may be hung or placed to
encourage jumping, batting, pouncing Socialization is a response to learned
and running. It is also important that toys behaviour. The ability to become sociable
be safe, and not have chewable or differs from cat to cat and may relate to
swallowable parts. genetic or family dispositions. However, any
cat raised in isolation or deprived of
• Toys need to be changed about every sufficient contact with animals of its own
three days to generate renewed interest, kind will develop abnormal social
and may be reintroduced after a short behaviour. Auditory socialization should be
period of removal. It is important that provided in breeding facilities. Kittens
toys be appropriately sanitized if they should be exposed to household sounds such
are interchanged among different as toilets flushing, vacuum cleaner,
groups. doorbells, and so on to prepare them for
home life. Commercial CDs of these sounds
Cardboard boxes placed in the housing area are available.
are popular as hiding places or resting areas.
Specially designed boxes 5 improve cat well- CAT-TO-CAT INTERACTION
being by providing:
Social relationships develop within the first
• opportunities to engage in a wide two months of a cat’s life. Following this
range of behaviour (hiding, perching, time period, cats need continued
jumping up/down); socialization with other cats.
• choice of viewing points; Most social bonds between cats occur
between adults and juveniles with the
• choice of textures; strongest bonds occurring between family
members and between females.
• opportunities for marking (face
Social hierarchies develop within a group of
rubbing on box), scratching; and
cats. Aggressive behaviour can be
minimized by providing sufficient housing
• more control over the amount of
area and adequate structures for hiding and
exposure to people or other cats.
seclusion. Independent of the housing
system, cats should be given the chance to
interact with other cats daily.
Visual and olfactory contact is important for
cat-to-cat interaction. Cats communicate
5
www.spca.bc.ca/hideperchgo/HidePerchGo.asp with each other through scent marking, a
19
A Code of Practice for Canadian Cattery Operations
Canadian Veterinary Medical Associationbehaviour promoted by offering furniture or Interaction should be a positive experience
objects for the cats to rub on. Visual cues are for the cat and may take place during
expressed in body and tail posture as well as feeding time, grooming time, play time with
facial expression with ears, eyes, mouth, and interactive toys, or as “quiet time” when the
lips. animal caretaker is present in the housing
quarters and available for interaction if the
CAT-TO-HUMAN INTERACTION cat so chooses. Do not hand play with cats
as this may cause some cats to develop
Social behaviour is also fostered by predatory play behaviour towards humans.
interactions with humans. The socialization
of kittens to people must be introduced Socialization of the kittens and cats to
within the kitten’s first three weeks of life. human beings and other cats should be a
Older kittens should receive human contact goal of all those who care for the animals.
for a minimum of 40 minutes daily. Contact Kittens should remain in sibling and colony
with more than one person increases contact for a minimum of 8 weeks (ideally
acceptance of humans later in life. 10-12 weeks) and be handled by humans,
including children, from 3 weeks of age
Adult cats should be given the opportunity until sold. The social development needs of
for individual human contact routinely, the kitten into early adulthood should be
preferably daily or at least five days a week. explained clearly to the new owners.
20
A Code of Practice for Canadian Cattery Operations
Canadian Veterinary Medical AssociationSECTION V
Transportation
A comprehensive set of regulations with • Kittens should be at least 8 weeks of age
regards to the transportation of cats is before shipping and should be
legislated within the Health of Animals Act transported by the fastest route possible.
(Canada). Sections discuss pre-shipping If a kitten is to be in transit more than 4
concerns associated with both import and to 6 hours, provision must be made for
export of cats. food and water en route.
The following points should be addressed • Every vehicle in which cats and kittens
when transporting cats. are transported must be free of
mechanical defects and designed in such
• Within the cattery, all animals should be a fashion as to provide adequate levels
handled on a daily basis to facilitate of fresh air at a temperature suitable for
restraint and ensure socialization. the health, welfare, and comfort of the
animals. Containers holding live animals
• Cats or kittens should be conditioned to should not be carried in trunks or in the
their shipping container to learn to open backs of vehicles. The vehicle
regard it as a comfort and security zone should be designed and properly
prior to shipping. maintained in order to prevent the
entrance of exhaust fumes.
• Shipping stresses the animal by causing
changes in immune function and thereby • Individuals who are responsible for
making it more susceptible to disease. shipping animals should establish that
those handling the animals in transit
• Cat carriers (cages) must meet the recognize their responsibility for the
requirements of the Live Animal health, welfare, and safety of the
Regulation of the International Air animals. Qualified individuals with
Transport Association (IATA) for proper training in the care of animals
import/export air transport. should be selected.
• Proper health certificates and • The shipper should notify the consignee
vaccination requirements should be in of the actual time of departure, expected
order prior to shipping the cat to the transit time and stopovers, designated
desired destination or when importing a destination, and expected time of arrival.
cat or kitten into Canada. The consignee must ensure that
arrangements are in place to receive the
• Weather conditions should be assessed animals and, if customs or health
prior to shipping to prevent possible examinations are required to clear the
harm to the animal from excessive heat animals, that those individuals are
or cold. notified and at the destination site when
the cats arrive. Arrangements should be
in place for any emergency care or
treatment or, if quarantine is a
21
A Code of Practice for Canadian Cattery Operations
Canadian Veterinary Medical Associationrequirement, that acceptable facilities are • All personnel in the transport chain
available with qualified personnel. should be adequately trained and
experienced with the necessary
• While most containers and most requirements, in order to maintain and
agencies or transporting companies ensure the health and well-being of cats
allow only one animal in a container, before and during transportation as well
there are situations where containers are as at the final destination.
designed to handle more than one animal
in comfort. Where more than one cat is • Tranquilization or sedation is not
transported in a large container or cage, generally recommended, and should
all animals so transported should be only be used on the advice of a
compatible and socially adapted to the veterinarian, as certain drugs can be
company of other cats. Cats that have counter-productive to safe, humane
aggressive tendencies or behaviour transport.
should not be mixed. Females in estrus
(heat) should not be transported in the
same cage with a tom.
• To ensure the welfare of cats and kittens
during transportation, preplanning is
essential. This includes making certain
that proper documentation, containers,
fastest and safest routing, and
notification of arrival are in place before
the journey starts.
22
A Code of Practice for Canadian Cattery Operations
Canadian Veterinary Medical AssociationSECTION VI
Education
An important aspect of cattery ownership Buyers need to be informed in writing of
and breeding is that all those involved must any potential health issues, as well as which
be knowledgeable concerning the needs of veterinary care/procedures have been
the cats and kittens for whose care and performed and which are yet necessary.
treatment they are responsible. Every effort Additional information provided at the time
must be made to discourage impulse buying. of purchase should address routine health
This may be achieved through education by care, behaviour, spaying/neutering,
breeders, cattery operators, pet shops, responsibilities to cats, and community
animal welfare organizations, humane standards for cat ownership. Kittens should
societies and SPCAs, the CCA, and the not be sold before 8 weeks of age.
CVMA.
Breeders must spend time to screen and
Breeders/cattery owners should educate educate buyers, and to ensure buyers are
themselves with the most current aware of their responsibilities as a pet
information available on their breed(s) and owner. Kittens and cats should be matched
breeding practices and use this information with good, caring homes. Breeders should
to create rigorous training standards for their provide a written guarantee of health to all
staff. Staff members need to be aware of buyers, indicating what compensation would
their responsibility to provide high quality, be provided in the event of a genetic
humane treatment to the animals in their disorder or health concern.
care at all times.
23
A Code of Practice for Canadian Cattery Operations
Canadian Veterinary Medical AssociationSECTION VII
Emergencies and Unforeseen Problems
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT Written procedures for cat care should be
posted within the facility and any satellite
Preventive medicine is the dominant theme locations so that they are available to all
in good cattery management. Despite good employees at all times. These procedures
efforts to prevent illness or accident, should include methods of handling
emergencies will occur. A well-managed sickness, injury, or death of cats and should
cattery will have an established rapport with include telephone numbers of veterinarians
a local veterinary hospital to deal with and back-up car transportation. As part of
emergencies or unforeseen problems. their required training, all staff should be
familiarized with the procedures.
A standard emergency/crisis plan should
include emergency contact numbers for all Specific written procedures should be
staff, a local consulting veterinarian, local prepared for cat escapes, exposure to
animal control, poison control centre, and chemicals, and cat bites.
local emergency services such as fire,
ambulance, and police. The plan should All catteries should have emergency
include detailed instructions for protecting evacuation capabilities. Emergency
staff and animal health in emergency or procedures should be posted, clearly
unforeseen situations, including: understood by all staff, and updated
regularly.
• sickness, injury or death,
• cat fights, Emergency equipment should be installed,
• cat bites to employees or visitors, including an effective smoke and fire
• fire, detection system, fire extinguishers that are
• flooding, appropriately rated and emergency lighting
• power outage, systems.
• evacuation,
Cattery owners should consult with local fire
• exposure to chemicals or other noxious
departments and request a site visit to
stimuli, and
review their emergency preparedness and to
• escape of animals. familiarize emergency responders with their
site and operation.
24
A Code of Practice for Canadian Cattery Operations
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