Safe Cats RSPCA SA

A safer & longer life starts at home

Despite what some people think, keeping your cat at home isn’t cruel. It’s actually one of the best things you can do to help protect them and give them a longer, happier life.

Learn about the risks

They might come home… but do you know what they do in between?

Here’s what your cat could be getting up to between leaving home and walking back through the door.

A great life at home is possible

With the right environment, your cat can still climb, chase, explore and play - all from the safety of home. Here are three simple ways to get started:

How to set up your home

Hear from others who’ve made the change

Visit our Roam to Home Guide

Ready to start the transition?

Practical tips to help turn your roamer into a happy homebody - step by step.

Start the guide

Want to know more?

Check out our Behaviour Blogs

Got a cat who cries at the door, ignores their toys or acts like the transition to home life is a personal insult? Our Behaviour Blogs are packed with expert how-to guides, myth-busting advice and practical tips for common cat challenges - all written by our Behaviour Team who really understand why cats do what they do.

Blogs

Myth vs Fact: “My cat needs to roam to live a happy life”

The goal isn’t to take away the fun. It’s to keep the fun and lose the unnecessary risk.

Cat Challenges: “My cat doesn’t care about enrichment …they just want to go outside”

Each individual cat has their own preferences, so it may just be that you haven't found their favourite enrichment activity yet.

HOW TO have safe outside time, without the roaming

Our Behaviour Team shares easy ways to help your cat enjoy fresh air and stimulation, safely.

Myth vs Fact: “My cat has always roamed. It’s too late to change”

With patience, consistency and plenty of good things happening at home, they can learn a new routine and enjoy an indoor-only life.

HOW TO bring the best bits of roaming home

When you bring your cat home, the goal is to find out what they loved about roaming and recreating those experiences in safer ways.

Cat Challenges: “My cat won’t stop crying at the door. Should I give in?”

Changing your cat’s routine from roaming to being safe at home is a transition, not an overnight switch.

HOW TO make indoor life more fulfilling

If you rent, live in an apartment or simply don’t have access to outdoor space, your cat can still have a safe, interesting and very enjoyable life at home.

Myth vs Fact: “My cat doesn’t go far… so they are safe”

Even a cat who normally stays close can choose to cross a major road, chase something further than usual or end up somewhere they’ve never been before.