Animals Without a Home: How You Can Prevent Strays and Provide Proper Care

The issue of overpopulation and stray animals exists in the whole world and causes a range of negative effects for its victims and the communities in which they live. Although animals without a home can survive in the streets, this does not mean that their quality of life is outstanding. For that reason, it is very important that both pet owners and people in the community know about the necessary practices in caring for an animal to prevent the consequences of their neglect. 

The most common causes of animal displacement include behavior problems, accidents and escapes, and housing regulations that limit the ability to have pets. In Guatemala, one can easily see a significant presence of stray dogs and cats. Aside from the factors mentioned, the country also experiences a lack of shelters and veterinary services. When citizens cannot access or pay for medical care, many strays are left without being sterilized. Also, it is very common in Guatemala to allow pets to roam without supervision during the day. As a result, there is a belief that animals do not need to follow rules or have structure which is accompanied by an inadequate system to support the animals that are lost consequently. 

The consequences of stray cats and dogs affects the animals just as much as the people of the community. Without adequate care, animals can transmit sickness and experience malnutrition and mistreatment. Aside from this, fights between animals can result in deaths while the lack of regulation causes overpopulation. All this contributes to impacts in the community also like feces and urine in public spaces and automobile accidents. That said, it is obvious that the quality of life of stray animals is poor and results in negative impacts for the animals and their communities. 

There are various important practices to implement to ensure that animals receive the best possible conditions to live in. One of the most important things in preventing overpopulation in sterilization, in which animals are prevented from being able to reproduce. Just as important is the vaccination of animals against sicknesses like rabies. With these two measures, the vast majority of problems can be prevented. The most important things to consider in caring for a cat in specific include: 

• A mix of dry and wet food

• Clean water

• Basic sanitary care

• A litter box away from the eating area which is cleaned daily and changed weekly

• Filing and cutting nails

• Exercise and time to play

• Visits to the vet

In ensuring these basic practices, cat owners can provide their pets their 5 freedoms: 

1. Free from hunger and thirst

2. From discomfort

3. From pain and sickness

4. From fear and stress

5. Given the ability to express their natural behavior

You can support this cause, even if you don't have cats. Simply by sharing these practices you increase the knowledge of adequate care in the community. If you are thinking of getting a cat, first consider all the responsibility involved in having a pet and if you have enough time and resources to give it a good quality of life. Also, look for options to adopt instead of buying an animal from a breeder to reduce the number of animals without homes. And finally, by visiting Antigua Cat Café, you can support an organization that prioritizes the quality care of our cats, creating a family of animals to enjoy together. 

Citations:

Cuidados para un gato saludable | Purina®. (n.d.). Www.purina.es. https://www.purina.es/cuidados/gatos/salud/aseo-cuidados-diarios/gato-saludable

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Martínez, B. (2021, August 18). Cómo prevenir que perros y gatos se queden sin hogar. Prensa Libre. https://www.prensalibre.com/vida/salud-y-familia/como-prevenir-que-perros-y-gatos-se-queden-sin-hogar/ 

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