Bunbury region cat owners encouraged to take advantage of $200 rebate for outdoor enclosures

Cat owners in the Bunbury region are being urged to take up an offer to help keep their furry friends safe. The South West Catchment Council is offering a $200 rebate for those who build an outdoor enclosure for their felines. SWCC project manager Jaya Vaughan said an enclosure would provide a place for cats to play outdoors and enjoy fresh air. “We know that cats kept safe within property boundaries live up to four times longer than cats allowed to roam,” she said. “Companion cats entrust their owners with providing a safe and enriched environment for them to live happy and healthy lives.” Ms Vaughan said the rebate would assist with the financial burden on installing an enclosure. “If you are savvy you can build a simple, do-it-yourself enclosure for around $400,” she said. “Professionally installed enclosures start at around $1500.” “The rebate will assist with these initial costs but the savings continue by preventing unexpected vet bills that inevitably come with caring for a cat which is allowed to roam.” The SWCC states containing cats within property boundaries reduces the risk of them getting injured or catching diseases, along with the benefits of protecting local wildlife. The offer is open to residents living in urban areas in and around Bunbury, from Binningup in the north to Stratham in the south. Both current and prospective cat owners are eligible for the rebate, with those interested needing to register by November 30 and have the enclosure installed by March 31 next year. Other eligibility requirements include the cat being able to access the enclosure from the house at its own free will and it must not be able to escape from it. The SWCC project is being funded by the Federal Government’s National Landcare Program. Residents can register for the rebate or learn more at https://bit.ly/3SD3PKG or by calling 0427 415 222.