Three ‘cool cats’ made of ceramic and recycled copper by local potter Carol Mulhearn, have been installed into their new home at the Busselton Vet Hospital catio.
The enclosed outdoor space designed to keep cats safe while allowing them to enjoy the outdoors, was built in August and promotes responsible pet ownership.
Dr Richard Lucas, owner of Busselton Vet Hospital, knows first-hand the difference a catio can make. “Our first cat was locked in a neighbour’s shed for three days, had two snake bites and was run over when he was 15 years old,” said Dr Lucas. “Never again will we own a cat without a catio. Our new cat loves his catio; he is safe and we are much happier.”
Ms Mulhearn says it has been a great privilege to be involved in this wonderful project. “Creating these cool cats has been a lot of fun, bringing to life the quirks that cat owners know well. Being a cat owner, I know how important it is to keep them safe… and catios look after our beloved pets and wildlife at the same time. Thanks GeoCatch and Busselton Vet Hospital for bringing this great project to life,” she said.
GeoCatch project officer Nicole Lincoln is thrilled with the result, as the catio is an important educational tool in promoting the message of responsible cat ownership to local cat owners.m“110 catios have been installed locally by cat owners through the GeoCatch rebate program, delivered in partnership with Busselton, Capel, Donnybrook-Balingup and Augusta-Margaret River local governments,” said Ms Lincoln.
“This equates to an estimated 12,100 native animals saved annually from potential predation by domestic cats. By keeping our feline pets safe and happy in catios, we’re giving our unique wildlife a far better chance of survival.”
Drop by Busselton Vet Hospital to see what a well-designed and constructed catio looks like, including all the essential features required to ensure cats are safe and comfortable in their catios.
This education catio creation was delivered by GeoCatch, in partnership with Busselton Vet Hospital, with funding from the Western Australian Government’s State NRM Program. The catio was designed and installed by local catio builder Jason Mansfield from South West Cat Enclosures and the ‘cool cats’ were created by local artist Carol Mulhearn.
GeoCatch is offering a $200 rebate for cat owners to install a new cat enclosure for their cat. For more information on catio rebates, DIY ideas and resources visit geocatch.asn.au
Photos 1-2 from L-R: Busselton Vet Hospital owner Dr Richard Lucas, Local Artist Carol Mulhearn, GeoCatch Project Officer Nicole Lincoln.
Photo 3 from L-R: Nicole Lincoln, Dr Richard Lucas, Carol Mulhearn.
