Since October 2022, a certification of commitment and knowledge is required for any adoption or purchase of a pet (dog, cat, ferret, rabbit). This certificate is issued by a person holding the ACACED (Attestation de Connaissances pour les Animaux de Compagnie d'Espèces Domestiques), such as the owner, a veterinarian, a breeder, a shelter manager or an animal protection association. It must be signed 7 days before the adoption, reports the media France bleu.
Animal welfare
Caroline Langlois, in charge of communication for the SPA of Poitiers, is skeptical about the effectiveness of the new measure. She wonders publicly "will it have an impact?" although she recognizes that it clarifies the obligations of adopters. She points out that the shelter has worked for years to promote thoughtful adoptions.
The statistical service of the Ministry of the Interior reveals that between 2016 and 2021, animal abuse cases increased by 30%. Dogs are the most affected at 46% and cats at 24%.
The main reasons for abandoning a cat are the death of the owner, placement in a retirement home, the arrival of a child in the family, and behavioral problems.
Whatever the origin of the cat (shelter, individual, found in the wild), it must be identified, sterilized and vaccinated. In case of change of owner, a declaration of transfer of owner must be made to I-CAD.
What are the questions to ask yourself before adopting an animal?
Caroline Langlois, in charge of communication for the SPA of Poitiers, asks questions to future adopters to evaluate the nature of their approach. She warns against giving animals as gifts and insists on the importance of the agreement of all family members. She also assesses the motivation of adopters, asking whether it makes sense to adopt an animal if you are away 12 hours a day. She points out that some cats are happy indoors while others need to go outside. She reminds us that a decision based solely on a crush may not be the best option.
In addition, Caroline Langlois points out aspects that are often overlooked, such as the potential risks of adopting a white cat. If this cat spends a lot of time outdoors, especially in the summer, it can be exposed to dangers. White cats with pink ears are 14 times more likely to develop squamous cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer.
It is necessary to have a comfortable basket and a clean litter box for the adopted animal
The cat sleeps about 20 hours out of 24 to sleep, but also to maintain a bond with his owner. Playing with him is important for his well-being and growth. To satisfy his hunting instinct, it is recommended to provide him with toys and to arrange a space with a view on the outside.
Caroline Langlois recommends letting an adopted cat settle into its new home before letting it out. She advises waiting about three months and being present the day it goes out, doing so on a rainy day to encourage it to return home quickly and not explore too far.
To keep a cat out of certain rooms, such as the bedroom, you have to be more resourceful than the cat, because cats know how to open doors. The cat must have one or more quiet places to rest, including a high bed that will ensure its safety. The litter box should be away from the bed and always clean, changed daily. Often, cleanliness is a problem in cats when the litter box is not changed frequently enough.
When feeding a cat, it is important to provide a regular diet that includes unlimited kibble and fresh water that is changed frequently. For cats that have been spayed or neutered, it is advisable to offer them a special food that is not excessively rich.
