International Cat Care Position Statements: Advocating Cat Welfare and Best Practices
Evidence-based practices that support cats’ health, reduce stress, and enhance well-being.
International Cat Care Position Statements
International Cat Care (iCatCare) is dedicated to improving the lives of cats worldwide by promoting responsible ownership, advocating for evidence-based care, and setting high welfare standards. Their position statements cover crucial topics affecting the physical and psychological well-being of cats, providing guidance for caregivers, veterinary professionals, breeders, and policymakers.
Guiding Principles of International Cat Care
- Respect cats: Acknowledge the diverse nature of cats and their individual needs.
- Keep cats well: Consider both physical health and mental well-being equally.
- Do cats no harm: Avoid actions that could negatively affect a cat’s welfare.
- Be solution-driven for cats: Adopt evidence-based, practical, and sustainable approaches.
- Communicate for cats: Share knowledge generously and communicate with empathy.
- Collaborate for cats: Work together locally and globally, valuing different perspectives and expertise.
- Evolve for cats: Embrace innovation, continuous learning, and adaptability.
Position Statement: Cat Breeding
International Cat Care recognizes that breeding plays a significant role in shaping feline health and welfare. The organization’s position aims to inform breeders and prospective owners about responsible breeding practices that prioritize health and avoid welfare problems.
- Selection should prioritize traits beneficial to the cat’s physical and mental welfare over appearance alone.
- Breeding approaches must avoid perpetuating inherited disorders or exaggerated characteristics that compromise comfort or functionality (e.g., extreme facial structures).
- Breeders should provide lifelong responsibility for the cats they produce, including support and guidance for new owners.
- iCatCare encourages transparent sharing of relevant health information and supports the breeding of cats that can thrive as companions without unnecessary suffering.
Position Statement: Scruffing Cats
Scruffing refers to gripping the loose skin at the back of a cat’s neck to restrain or control the animal. Although scruffing has been used in the past, current research shows it can cause significant stress, fear, and even aggression in cats. Therefore, International Cat Care is opposed to the routine use of scruffing as a method of restraint in any setting.
- Scruffing may appear effective by reducing immediate risk of biting, but it often heightens distress and can lead to longer-term behavioral problems.
- Stress during handling, especially in unfamiliar environments (e.g., veterinary clinics), can trigger negative associations that hamper future care and cooperation.
- iCatCare’s scruff-free campaign promotes gentle, respectful handling techniques among veterinary professionals, shelters, and groomers to minimize fear and ensure positive handling experiences for cats.
Position Statement: Declawing
Declawing (onychectomy) is the surgical removal of a cat’s claws by amputating the last bone of each toe. International Cat Care firmly opposes declawing for non-medical reasons, describing the procedure as an act of mutilation that is both unethical and harmful to cats.
- Declawing should only be considered for genuine therapeutic medical reasons where it is necessary for the individual cat’s health.
- The procedure causes severe pain, behavioral issues, and long-term physical complications, including lameness and impaired movement.
- iCatCare endorses the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) Code of Conduct by advocating for laws that ban non-therapeutic surgeries, including declawing.
- Alternative solutions should be sought for behavioral issues related to scratching, such as environmental enrichment and appropriate training.
What others are reading
Position Statement: Telemedicine
Telemedicine is the practice of diagnosing and treating medical conditions remotely through technology. While it can increase access to care for cats and convenience for caregivers, potential drawbacks can arise if telemedicine is applied without careful consideration of a cat’s needs and the limitations of remote assessment.
- Telemedicine should complement, not replace, hands-on physical examinations and in-person veterinary care when necessary.
- Remote consultations may hinder the identification of subtle health issues that require tactile or detailed in-person assessment.
- IcatCare supports telemedicine as a tool best used in follow-up cases, second opinions, or situations where in-person visits are not feasible, provided it is conducted by qualified professionals aware of its limitations.
- The welfare of the cat should always take precedence in decisions regarding telehealth strategies.
Position Statement: Cats and Toxoplasmosis
Toxoplasmosis is an infectious disease caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii. Cats play a role in the transmission cycle, but public perception is often skewed by media representation, leading to the misconception that cats are the primary threat to human health.
- While cats are the only definitive hosts capable of shedding the parasite’s oocysts, the risk to human health from direct cat contact is relatively low.
- Proper litter hygiene and responsible cat management largely mitigate the risks of transmission.
- iCatCare emphasizes the importance of accurate, evidence-based public education to counteract unwarranted fear and stigmatization of cats.
- Human infection is more often linked to handling contaminated soil or consuming undercooked, infected meat than direct exposure to cats.
Position Statement: Identifying Pet Cats
Reliable and permanent identification is considered crucial by International Cat Care for safeguarding the welfare of both owned and unowned cats.
- Identification methods, such as microchipping, provide the best chance of reuniting lost cats with their families and managing populations effectively.
- Identified cats are more likely to receive timely veterinary attention if lost or injured.
- iCatCare encourages all cat caregivers to have their pets uniquely identified using a permanent solution, and to keep the associated contact details up-to-date.
- Microchipping is preferred over collars, which may break, be lost, or cause injuries.
Responsible Use of Parasiticides
International Cat Care supports the responsible use of parasiticides—medications to control pests like fleas, ticks, and worms. While essential for health and welfare, overuse or misuse can harm both cats and the environment.
- Only use parasite control products recommended by a veterinarian or backed by strong safety data for cats.
- Monitor for potential side effects, and report adverse reactions.
- Consider local parasite risks and individual cat needs to prevent unnecessary treatments and environmental contamination.
- Store and dispose of products responsibly to reduce environmental impact.
Opposition to Routine Kidney Transplantation
iCatCare opposes kidney transplantation as a routine treatment for cats due to significant ethical and welfare concerns.
- The procedures often involve using a donor cat, raising serious questions about the welfare and long-term outcome for both recipient and donor.
- The risks, costs, and lifelong immunosuppressive drug requirements may compromise the welfare of the cats involved.
- Resources and focus should be directed toward prevention and early management of feline kidney disease, and improving the quality of life for affected cats.
Population Management and Welfare
Managing cat populations, especially in unowned or feral cat communities, requires humane, ethical approaches. International Cat Care advocates:
- Trap–neuter–return (TNR) programs as a primary strategy for controlling community cat numbers while maintaining welfare.
- Guidelines that balance the needs and rights of cats with the interests of human communities.
- Community engagement and education to encourage responsible behavior toward all cats.
- Collaboration between governments, animal charities, and veterinary professionals for sustainable solutions.
Table: Summary of iCatCare Position Statements
| Topic | Position Summary | Recommended Action |
|---|---|---|
| Breeding | Support ethical breeding; avoid inherited disorders and exaggerated traits | Breed for health and welfare; transparent practices |
| Scruffing | Oppose routine use due to high stress and negative impact | Adopt gentle handling; scruff-free policies |
| Declawing | Unethical except for therapeutic reasons; support legal bans | Use alternatives for scratching issues |
| Telemedicine | Support with caution; not a replacement for hands-on care | Employ where appropriate, with professional oversight |
| Toxoplasmosis | Risk often overstated by media; evidence-based education needed | Promote accurate information and responsible hygiene |
| Identification | Essential for welfare; supports reunification and care | Encourage microchipping and accurate records |
| Parasiticides | Responsible use to protect cat and environmental health | Veterinary guidance; avoid unnecessary use |
| Kidney Transplantation | Opposed for routine use due to welfare concerns | Focus on prevention and early management |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is it ever acceptable to declaw a cat?
A: Declawing is only acceptable for rare, genuine medical reasons where it is necessary for the cat’s health. It should never be performed for convenience or purely behavioral reasons.
Q: What should I do if my cat gets stressed during handling?
A: Ensure handling is gentle and respectful. Avoid scruffing. Gradual desensitization, treats, and creating a calm environment can help. If needed, consult a feline behaviorist or a cat-friendly veterinary professional.
Q: How can I reduce the risk of toxoplasmosis from my cat?
A: Practice good hygiene when cleaning litter trays, feed your cat cooked or commercial diets rather than raw meat, and wash hands after handling cats or soil. Do not allow cats to hunt wild animals.
Q: Why is permanent identification so strongly recommended?
A: Permanent identification, such as microchipping, significantly increases the likelihood of reuniting lost cats with their owners, supports community cat management, and ensures emergency care can be provided with accurate records.
Q: Are telemedicine consultations as effective as in-person veterinary visits?
A: Telemedicine is useful for follow-ups and remote advice, but does not replace the need for hands-on physical examinations in many cases. Use as a complement, not a substitute.
Additional Resources
- Cat Friendly Principles and Guidance – International Cat Care
- Veterinary Guidance on Cat Welfare and Best Practices
- Educational Materials for Pet Owners and Professionals
References
Similar Articles
Read full bio of medha deb
Community Experiences
Join the conversation and become a part of our empowering community! Share your stories, experiences, and insights to connect with other beauty, lifestyle, and health enthusiasts.