Animal Care Guidelines for the Retail Pet Industry Contents

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Animal Care Guidelines for the Retail Pet Industry Contents Animal Care Guidelines for the Retail Pet Industry Contents Overview of Animal Care Guidelines for the Retail Pet Industry 3 Selling Animals in a Responsible Manner 4 Caring for Animals in Your Store 4 Housing Animals 4 Feeding Animals 4 Watering Animals 5 Conducting Health Checks 5 Handling Sick or Injured Animals 5 Euthanizing Animals 6 Maintaining Animal Care Records 6 Keeping Your Store Clean 7 Sanitizing Your Facility 7 Removing Waste 7 Controlling Pests 7 Safeguarding Public Health 8 Maintaining Facilities 8 Water and Power 8 Heating and Cooling 8 Ventilating Systems 8 Lighting 9 Walls and Floors 9 Washrooms and Sinks 9 Animal Enclosures 9 General Construction 9 Cage Floors and Walls 10 Security and Fire Alarm Systems 10 Developing Procedures 10 Training and Scheduling Employees 11 Animal Care Guidelines for the Retail Pet Industry By the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council Pet stores that house companion animals are held to high standards—by government regulators, the animal welfare community, the media, and consumers. Furthermore, pet owners look to these stores as models of animal care and turn to store staff for advice on a wide variety of animal welfare issues. Therefore, it behooves all pet retailers to not only prac- tice state-of-the-art animal husbandry techniques, but also to ensure the humane care of the animals they sell or adopt out of their stores. The best way for pet retailers to ensure that all animals on their premises are maintained and cared for humanely is to implement written operating procedures based on professionally accepted practices, and to train and require all employees to follow these procedures. The “Animal Care Guidelines for the Retail Pet Industry” have been designed to help pet retailers implement operating procedures governing animal care. Retailers can easily incorporate some or all of the guidelines into their own operating manuals or educational materials. Furthermore, they can use these guidelines to supplement relevant Federal, state or local laws and/or regulations that already apply to their stores. Retailers who adopt the procedures outlined in “Animal Care Guidelines for the Retail Pet Industry” will help ensure that their animals receive appropriate care and handling, demonstrate to the public and to regula- tory officials that their facilities are professionally managed, and serve as exemplars for the pet-loving public. Due to the wide variety of animals maintained in retail pet stores, it is impossible to describe specific care and handling recommendations for every species in a single document. We therefore encourage retailers to employ common sense and utilize the most appropriate husbandry practices when implementing the concepts conveyed in these guidelines for animals with highly specific or unique husbandry needs. Selling Animals n Protect animals from distress or injury in a Responsible Manner that can be caused by other animals or from excessive handling. n Take reasonable care to acquire, sell, n Provide animals, relevant to their trade or release for adoption only ani- type and age, with toys and other items mals that are apparently free of disease, (e.g., wheels, ladders, balls, hammocks, parasites, injuries or abnormalities. plastic plants) that will provide for move- n Refrain from selling, donating or ment, enrichment, and shelter. releasing for adoption any animal show- n Make plans and provisions to provide ing signs of, or suspected of having, adequate housing for all animals in infections, diseases, illnesses, para- the case of natural disasters or other sites, injuries or abnormalities—unless emergencies. you provide the purchaser/transferee with written information describing the Feeding Animals animal’s condition at the time of the sale n Provide food that is wholesome, nutri- and the new owner agrees to provide im- tious, palatable and uncontaminated mediate and necessary veterinary care, in sufficient quantities to maintain the if required. animal in good health. n Be informed about any permits or n Feed animals with consideration for licenses required, as well as any Federal, the species, age, condition, size, and state, or local county or city standards gender of the individual animal. Feeding applicable to the pet retailers. frequencies and amounts vary according to the species. n Feed all animals—other than certain Caring for Animals in Your Store amphibians and reptiles—at least once a day, including Sundays and holidays, Housing Animals except as necessitated by dormancy n House animals in a manner that (e.g., hibernation) requirements, veteri- minimizes stress. Avoid placing nary treatment, normal fasts or other animals in areas where they will be professionally accepted practices. exposed to temperature fluctuations or n Store food in a manner that protects drafts, loud or shrill noises, or noxious it from deterioration, mold or or harmful odors. contamination by rodents, insects, or n House animals in a manner that is disease-causing organisms. appropriate to their size and type. n Refrigerate perishable foods at appro- n Place only compatible animals to- priate temperatures. gether in the same primary enclosure. n Where appropriate, serve food in Consider species, age, condition, size, sanitized feeding pans, dishes or self- gender, and behavioral tendencies when feeders, or in disposable food dishes. evaluating compatibility. n Sanitize feeding pans and dishes n Use enclosures and equipment de- once a day or as appropriate for the signed and maintained to minimize the species. Clean self-feeders regularly risk of illness or injury to both animals to prevent molding, caking, or contami- and employees. nation of food. n Discard disposable food dishes w Behaving normally (evaluate by immediately after use. species, age, and gender). n Remove spoiled food from animal w Able to move normally and assume enclosures and adjust feeding practices normal postural positions. so as to prevent future food spoilage. w Showing any obvious signs of distress or illness. Watering Animals w Eating. n Provide all animals, other than w Drinking. aquatic organisms, with potable drink- w Defecating and urinating. ing water at least once during each 2-hour period, except as dictated by n Evaluate for general signs of dormancy (e.g., hibernation) require- illness, disease or injury, including ments, veterinary treatment, or other but not limited to: professionally accepted practices. w Abnormal condition or behavior n Use sanitized water vessels that (by species, age, and gender). are designed to provide and dispense w Listlessness. appropriate quantities of water for the w Failure to eat or decreased appetite. particular species. w Weight loss. n Position water vessels so that they w Diarrhea. are readily accessible to the animals w Eye or nasal discharge. and so as to prevent spillage, overheat- w Conjunctivitis. ing, contamination, and use by animals w Labored breathing. visiting the store. w Elevated respiration rate. n When cleaning water vessels, use ef- w Cough. fective cleaners and disinfectants that w Prostration. comply with Federal, state and local w Skin lesions. laws and regulations. w Abnormal hair or feather loss. n Clean and sanitize water vessels w Evidence of fleas, ticks at least once daily. Clean sipper-tube or other parasites. water bottles regularly to prevent the accumulation of dirt, debris and algae. Handling Sick or Injured Animals n Sanitize sipper-tube water bottles n Seek advice and care from veteri- before placing new animals in a nary experts as appropriate to care primary enclosure. for the animal(s). n Provide immediate medical care Conducting Health Checks for any sick or injured animal to ensure n Train employees to conduct visual its well-being and to prevent the spread health checks of animals (see below), of disease. and monitor employee competency. n Take appropriate measures to safe- n Require trained employees to con- guard staff and customers when an duct visual health checks of animals at animal in the store is suspected to be least twice a day. sick due to illness, injury, or stress. n Observe animals to determine n Report any animal showing a whether they are: health-related change or injury to the staff person responsible for taking n A description of the animal, including appropriate action. breed. If mixed-breed, so indicate. n If the animal is deemed to be sick or n The animal’s date of birth, if known. injured, remove it from the sales floor n The name and address of the and maintain it in as stress-free a loca- person/dealer from whom the animal tion as possible until it is fully recovered. was obtained, and the dealer’s Federal n Record your observations in appropri- identification number, if available. ate animal health records, such as for n Information from any identification dogs and cats. system, such as microchips, bands, n Isolate any animal suspected of tags or retinal scans, used to distinguish having a contagious disease and provide the animal. it with appropriate treatment. Keep the n The date of acquisition. animal isolated until it is completely n Notes about all vaccines administered recovered or transferred to a veterinarian to the animal, including the date of for treatment. administration, the manufacturer and n Monitor the condition of the animal the lot number. or group of animals until fully recovered n Notes about any health problems the and document the observations as animal experienced prior to arriving in noted elsewhere in these Guidelines. your pet store, if known. Notes about n Be informed about Federal, state and any health problems observed while the local laws and/or regulations concerning animal is in your pet store, including but reportable diseases. not limited to: w Signs of illness. Euthanizing Animals w Diagnosis of illness. n If an animal seems to be suffering w Treatment and/or medications from a crippling disability or an incurable administered. condition have it examined immediately w Prognosis, if known.
Recommended publications
  • ZOONOTIC DISEASE PREVENTION SERIES for RETAILERS Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council Zoonotic Disease Prevention Series for Retailers
    PET INDUSTRY JOINT ADVISORY COUNCIL ZOONOTIC DISEASE PREVENTION SERIES FOR RETAILERS Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council Zoonotic Disease Prevention Series for Retailers Dear Pet Retailer: Attached are a series of informational flyers describing some important, but not well known, diseases that can be transmitted from companion animals to humans. These flyers were developed to inform retail store staff about the nature of these zoonotic illnesses and how to reduce the chance of contracting disease. The flyers were produced by PIJAC’s Zoonoses Committee, a select group of industry professionals and public health experts. This series targets retail store associates, who generally are more knowledgeable about a variety of pets and are at risk of exposure due to repeated contact with the animals and their environment. Although the flyers present guidance on disease prevention in the retail environment, much of the advice applies to the general public as well, and front-line staff may find the information valuable when interacting with customers. Zoonotic diseases have become a more prominent issue in the pet industry, in some cases resulting in legal action against retailers. Even though the risk of illness is relatively small for most zoonotic illnesses, we believe it is important to take steps to protect the health of retail staff and pet owners. Although these flyers are not designed for public distribution, you may wish to consider developing some form of consumer education based on the general elements that we have incorporated into the
    [Show full text]
  • Pet Dealer Licensing Program Guidelines
    New York State Department of Agriculture & Markets Division of Animal Industry Pet Dealer Licensing Program Guidelines Andrew M. Cuomo, New York State Governor Richard A. Ball, Commissioner of Agriculture & Markets David C. Smith, DVM, Director of Animal Industry January 2015 10 B Airline Drive Albany, NY 12235 www.agriculture.ny.gov/AI/AIHome.html ANDREW M. CUOMO RICHARD A. BALL Governor Commissioner Dear New York Dog and Cat Breeders and Pet Store Owners: The New York State Pet Dealer Licensing Law became effective July 1, 2002. The following criteria must be met to comply with this law. If your facility sells or offers to sell nine or more dogs and/or cats per year, you must apply for a license in order to continue in business unless you qualify under the following exceptions: 1.) Duly incorporated humane societies are exempt. 2.) Breeders who sell or offer to sell less than 25 dogs and/or cats per year that are born and raised on the breeder’s residential premise are exempt. Following the receipt of your application by the Department, you will receive an acknowledgment letter. Within the next several months, an inspection of your facility will take place to insure that you are in compliance with Article 26-A of the Agriculture and Markets Law (Care of Animals by Pet Dealers). Once your license is approved, you will receive a New York State Pet Dealer’s license number which you may use in advertisements. Facilities which were not already in operation on July 1, 2002, may not operate until an inspection has taken place and a license is issued.
    [Show full text]
  • Animal Welfare
    57227 Rules and Regulations Federal Register Vol. 78, No. 181 Wednesday, September 18, 2013 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER and be exempt from the licensing and requirements and sets forth institutional contains regulatory documents having general inspection requirements if he or she responsibilities for regulated parties; applicability and legal effect, most of which sells only the offspring of those animals and part 3 contains specifications for are keyed to and codified in the Code of born and raised on his or her premises, the humane handling, care, treatment, Federal Regulations, which is published under for pets or exhibition. This exemption and transportation of animals covered 50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510. applies regardless of whether those by the AWA. The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by animals are sold at retail or wholesale. Part 2 requires most dealers to be the Superintendent of Documents. Prices of These actions are necessary so that all licensed by APHIS; classes of new books are listed in the first FEDERAL animals sold at retail for use as pets are individuals who are exempt from such REGISTER issue of each week. monitored for their health and humane licensing are listed in paragraph (a)(3) of treatment. § 2.1. DATES: Effective Date: November 18, Since the AWA regulations were DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 2013. issued, most retailers of pet animals have been exempt from licensing by FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Dr. virtue of our considering them to be Service Gerald Rushin, Veterinary Medical ‘‘retail pet stores’’ as defined in § 1.1 of Officer, Animal Care, APHIS, 4700 River the AWA regulations.
    [Show full text]
  • Animal Shelters List by County
    MICHIGAN REGISTERED ANIMAL SHELTERS BY COUNTY COUNTY FACILITY NAME FACILITY ADDRESS CITY ZIP CODE PHONE Alcona ALCONA HUMANE SOCIETY 457 W TRAVERSE BAY STATE RD LINCOLN 48742 (989) 736-7387 Alger ALGER COUNTY ANIMAL SHELTER 510 E MUNISING AVE MUNISING 49862 (906) 387-4131 Allegan ALLEGAN COUNTY ANIMAL SHELTER 2293 33RD STREET ALLEGAN 49010 (269) 673-0519 COUNTRY CAT LADY 3107 7TH STREET WAYLAND 49348 (616) 308-3752 Alpena ALPENA COUNTY ANIMAL CONTROL 625 11th STREET ALPENA 49707 (989) 354-9841 HURON HUMANE SOCIETY, INC. 3510 WOODWARD AVE ALPENA 49707 (989) 356-4794 Antrim ANTRIM COUNTY ANIMAL CONTROL 4660 M-88 HWY BELLAIRE 49615 (231) 533-6421 ANTRIM COUNTY PET AND ANIMAL WATCH 125 IDA ST MANCELONA 49659 (231) 587-0738 HELP FROM MY FRIENDS, INC. 3820 RITT ROAD BELLAIRE 49615 (231) 533-4070 Arenac ARENAC COUNTY ANIMAL CONTROL SHELTER 3750 FOCO ROAD STANDISH 48658 (989) 846-4421 Barry BARRY COUNTY ANIMAL CONTROL SHELTER 540 N INDUSTRIAL PARK DR HASTINGS 49058 (269) 948-4885 Bay BAY COUNTY ANIMAL CONTROL SHELTER 800 LIVINGSTON BAY CITY 48708 (989) 894-0679 HUMANE SOCIETY OF BAY COUNTY 1607 MARQUETTE AVE BAY CITY 48706 (989) 893-0451 Benzie BENZIE COUNTY ANIMAL CONTROL SHELTER 543 S MICHIGAN AVE BEULAH 49617 (231) 882-9505 TINA'S BED AND BISCUIT INC 13030 HONOR HWY BEULAH 49617 (231) 645-8944 Berrien BERRIEN COUNTY ANIMAL SHELTER 1400 S EUCLID AVE BENTON HARBOR 49022 (269) 927-5648 HUMANE SOCIETY - SOUTHWESTERN MICHIGAN 5400 NILES AVE ST JOSEPH 49085 (269) 927-3303 Branch BRANCH COUNTY ANIMAL SHELTER 375 KEITH WILHELM DR COLDWATER 49036 (517) 639-3210 HUMANE SOCIETY OF BRANCH COUNTY, INC.
    [Show full text]
  • National Specialty Insurance Company Boost Pet Health Insurance Program
    National Specialty Insurance Company Boost Pet Health Insurance Program Countrywide Rating Manual Section I: General Rules A. Application of Manual 1. The rules contained in these pages will govern the rating of the Pet Health Insurance Plan policies. 2. The Pet Health Insurance Plan contains multiple benefit and coverage options. Unique benefit packages can be designed by constructing combinations of these benefit and coverage options. B. Premium Computation 1. Premiums at policy inception will be computed using the rules, rates and rating plan in effect at that time. 2. Premiums are calculated for each benefit package. 3. To calculate the monthly rate, divide the annual rate by 12, and then round to two decimal places. 4. To meet the demand of a marketable price point, a downward adjustment in price, not to exceed 5%, may be applied to the monthly premium. C. Additional Premium Charges 1. Additional premiums are computed using rates in effect at policy inception. 2. All coverage changes or additions involving additional premiums will be pro-rated based upon the effective date of the change. 3. If an endorsement or change to a policy results in an additional premium of $5 or less, no charge will be made. D. Return Premiums 1. Return premiums are computed using rates in effect at policy inception. 2. All coverage changes involving return premiums will be pro-rated based upon the effective date of the change. 3. If an endorsement or change to a policy results in a return premium of $5 or less, no return will be made. E. Minimum Premium The minimum premium per year is $50.00.
    [Show full text]
  • Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA Now Offering Popular Paws for Tales Program Virtually
    Tom and Annette Lantos Center for Compassion 1450 Rollins Road, Burlingame, CA 94010-2307 650-340-7022 • 650-685-8428 fax • www.PHS-SPCA.org FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 6, 2020 Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA Now Offering Popular Reading to Dogs Program Virtually Burlingame, CA –The Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA (PHS/SPCA) in partnership with the Redwood City Public Library, San Mateo Main Library and branches in the San Mateo County Library system is now offering their very popular free of charge Paws for Tales reading program virtually. “Our Paws for Tales program helps children who are experiencing difficulty or shyness when reading,” said PHS/SPCA Communications Manager Buffy Martin-Tarbox. “It’s a simple but effective program where a child reads a book out loud to perhaps the most non-judgmental being on the planet: a Pet Assisted Therapy dog. Normally we offer the program in-person at the libraries, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the shelter-in-place order, Paws for Tales is now available via Zoom.” Paws for Tales is free and affords young readers the opportunity to practice their reading and speaking skills. The youth take turns reading out loud to a PHS/SPCA Pet Assisted Therapy dog. PHS/SPCA Assisted Therapy program is made up of San Mateo County residents and their pets who undergo rigorous training and health checks before being certified. After certification, the Pet Assisted Therapy teams provide in-person visits to health care facilities, drug rehabilitation centers, schools, libraries and correctional facilities. The in-person visits are temporarily suspended at this time.
    [Show full text]
  • How to Read a Pet Food Label
    How to read a pet food label It is important that you understand exactly what it is you are buying when you go to purchase a food to feed your pet. The pet food label: key information • Ingredient listing: Ingredients are the delivery vehicles • Obtaining the actual nutrient content from the for nutrients and are listed on a pet food label in manufacturer is a better way to evaluate products descending order by weight • The nutritional adequacy statement: This portion of the • Ingredients such as chicken, beef or lamb contain more label verifi es that the food provides complete and balanced than 50% water. The high water content makes them nutrition for growing animals, pregnant and nursing mothers, weigh more than dry ingredients such as grains, meat/ or adults – or it might say the product is nutritionally poultry meals, minerals and vitamins, so they are listed fi rst adequate for all of these groups (“all lifestages”) • The guaranteed analysis: The guaranteed analysis is • Caution should be exercised when considering foods designed to provide consumers with nutrient information intended for “all lifestages.” They may contain excessive about the pet foods they purchase. It indicates minimum levels of some nutrients – making them inappropriate for or maximum levels of nutrients such as protein, fat and adult and senior pets fi bre in the product to guide consumers. It is important to • The manufacturer’s name and toll-free phone remember, however, that the guaranteed analysis is not an number: Consumers are encouraged to call the 800 indication of the actual nutrient content of the food number for product information not on the label • The minimum guarantee gives the lowest amount of the such as the actual nutrient content of the food and its nutrient in the food, not the actual amount.
    [Show full text]
  • An Ordinance Amending Section
    ORDINANCE NO. _______ AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 118 (UNLAWFUL SALE OR DISPLAY) OF ARTICLE 7 (REGULATION OF ANIMALS – GENERAL PROVISION) OF CHAPTER 6 (NEIGHBORHOOD VITALITY / COMMUNITY HEALTH) PERTAINING TO THE PROHIBITION OF SALES AND CERTAIN OTHER TRANSACTIONS INVOLVING DOGS OR CATS BY PET SHOPS AND PROVIDING A PENALTY. WHEREAS, Most puppies and kittens sold in pet stores come from large-scale, commercial breeding facilities where the health and welfare of the animals is disregarded in order to maximize profits (“puppy mills” and “kitten mills,” respectively). WHEREAS, The documented abuses endemic to puppy and kitten mills include over-breeding; inbreeding; minimal veterinary care; lack of adequate food, water and shelter; lack of socialization, exercise and enrichment; lack of sanitation. WHEREAS, Pet store puppies are often sick and have behavioral problems because of the substandard conditions they were likely born into; they were taken from their mothers at a very young age; they were transported in trucks filled with other young puppies; they were placed in a pet store cage with or near other puppies who are often sick. WHEREAS, Pet stores often mislead consumers as to where the puppies and kittens in the stores came from, make false health and behavior guarantees, and promise low interest financing. Many consumers report paying hundreds or thousands of dollars in veterinary bills and/or ending up with extremely high interest rates. WHEREAS, According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, pet store puppies pose an ongoing health risk to consumers, as over one hundred Americans have contracted an antibiotic-resistant Campylobacter infection from contact with pet store puppies.
    [Show full text]
  • Annual Report
    OTTAWA HUMANE SOCIETY 2019•20 ANNUAL REPORT YOU give so many homeless and injured animals a second chance at a better life. Thank you for rescuing, reuniting and rehoming Ottawa’s most vulnerable animals. Mission: To lead Ottawa in building a humane and compassionate community for all animals. By the Numbers: You Save Lives Veterinarians performed 2,804 surgeries on animals in the care of the Ottawa Humane Society last year. They completed: Spays and Dental Diagnostic 2,804 neuters procedures X-rays procedures Surgeries 2,622 541 761 210 In the Nick of Time Last November, Elsie, a After the surgery, Elsie was beautiful chocolate lab, wrapped in a warm blanket was rushed to the OHS. and left to gently wake up in She was dehydrated and critical care. The surgery may malnourished from refusing have been a success, but there to eat for two weeks. were still many steps on her She was suffering from road to recovery. She needed the advanced stages of medications, dental care and pyometra — an infection of tests to check for side effects the uterus that is fatal if left from the surgery. untreated. Elsie’s condition was critical but thanks to Thanks to you, Elsie’s story you, she was given hope. has a happy ending. Once she was fully healed, the There was little time. OHS OHS made her available for veterinarians had to act fast. adoption and she soon went Elsie’s entire uterus had to be removed along with home with her forever family. From the surgery, to the all the pus built up from the infection.
    [Show full text]
  • Check List: for a Healthy Cat
    CHECK LIST: FOR A HEALTHY CAT Congrats on your new pet! This welcome kit is a great reference for tips from Cascade Pet Hospital on how to keep your kitty healthy and happy. NECESSITIES OTHER SUGGESTED ITEMS • Premium Grade Food • Cat Treats for Training and Play, with or without Catnip • Bowls - Ceramic or Stainless Steel for Food & Water (Cats are Prone • Air-Tight Food Container & Scoop to Plastic Allergies) • Regular Grooming Program Cat • Litter Box & Litter (1 per Cat, Plus Bed 1 Additional in Multi-Cat Homes) • Change or Scoop Litter Daily • ID Tag & Microchip Safe • Books on Cat Care (breed specific) • Toys • Litter Genie • Pet Carrier (Appropriate for Size) • De-Shedding Tool • Stain Remover & Odor Eliminator (Do Not Use Ammonia) • Vertical Cat Tree • Flea Comb & Flea & Tick Control Products • Toothbrush Kit & Dental Aids (TD, CET Chews, etc.) • Bi-Yearly Exam with your Veterinarian DAILY PET CHECK: FOR A HEALTHY CAT MY PET • Is acting normal, active and happy. • Does not tire easily after moderate exercise. Does not have seizures or fainting episodes. • Has a normal appetite, with no significant weight change. Does not vomit or regurgitate food. • Has normal appearing bowel movements (firm, formed, mucus-free). Doesn’t scoot on the floor or chew under the tail excessively. • Has a full glossy coat with no missing hair, mats or excessive shedding. Doesn’t scratch, lick or chew excessively. • Has skin that is free of dry flakes, not greasy, and is odor-free. Is free from fleas, ticks or mites. • Has a body free from lumps and bumps. Has ears that are clean and odor-free.
    [Show full text]
  • Pet Cats & Human Health Things to Think About Before Getting a Cat
    For Pet \ Owners Pet Cats & Human Health As of 2000, it was estimated that there were approximately 4.5 million domestic cats in Canadian homes. Many cat owners live in very close contact with their feline companions. It is common for house cats to have access to areas like the kitchen counter where food is prepared, and many cats sleep in the same bed as their owners. Given the high frequency of very close contact between cats and people, it is easy to see how infection could be transmitted between them. Although the risk of zoonotic disease transmission from cats is very low, it is important to be aware that it exists, and to take some simple precautions to reduce this risk. Things to Think About Before Getting a Cat Your veterinarian is a great source of information and advice about the time and financial commitments involved in owning a cat what kind of cat would be best suited for you and from where you should get one. In order to decrease the risk of your cat becoming sick and/or transmitting infection to a person, it is recommended that the cat should be: Well socialized and accustomed to handling: this will make the cat less likely to bite or scratch a person. Examined regularly by a veterinarian: in order to assess the overall health of the cat, check for external and internal parasites, and clip the cat’s claws. Declawing the cat is NOT necessary. Spayed/neutered: this will help to decrease fighting with other cats and the tendency to roam, as well as the tendency for male cats to urine mark, and it eliminates the possibility of pregnancy in female cats.
    [Show full text]
  • Savannah Cat’ ‘Savannah the Including Serval Hybrids Felis Catus (Domestic Cat), (Serval) and (Serval) Hybrids Of
    Invasive animal risk assessment Biosecurity Queensland Agriculture Fisheries and Department of Serval hybrids Hybrids of Leptailurus serval (serval) and Felis catus (domestic cat), including the ‘savannah cat’ Anna Markula, Martin Hannan-Jones and Steve Csurhes First published 2009 Updated 2016 © State of Queensland, 2016. The Queensland Government supports and encourages the dissemination and exchange of its information. The copyright in this publication is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Australia (CC BY) licence. You must keep intact the copyright notice and attribute the State of Queensland as the source of the publication. Note: Some content in this publication may have different licence terms as indicated. For more information on this licence visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/ by/3.0/au/deed.en" http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/au/deed.en Front cover: Close-up of a 4-month old F1 Savannah cat. Note the occelli on the back of the relaxed ears, and the tear-stain markings which run down the side of the nose. Photo: Jason Douglas. Image from Wikimedia Commons under a Public Domain Licence. Invasive animal risk assessment: Savannah cat Felis catus (hybrid of Leptailurus serval) 2 Contents Introduction 4 Identity of taxa under review 5 Identification of hybrids 8 Description 10 Biology 11 Life history 11 Savannah cat breed history 11 Behaviour 12 Diet 12 Predators and diseases 12 Legal status of serval hybrids including savannah cats (overseas) 13 Legal status of serval hybrids including savannah cats
    [Show full text]